What Kind of Insect is That!? – Part 2

What Kind of Insect is That!? – Part 2

In this blog series, we look at some very odd insects that you may encounter in Illinois. In this first blog, we explore: Giant Water Bugs, Leaf-footed Bugs, and Harlequin Bugs.

Giant Water Bugs

The appearance of these bugs closely resembles roaches, leading to the two insects often being mistaken for one another. Water bugs are brownish-grey, oval-shaped insects that measure an average of about 2 inches long. True to their name, water bugs prefer to dwell in water sources and will actively try to avoid any interactions with humans. However, if they are disturbed or feel threatened, water bugs will sometimes lash out and bite people. Luckily, while painful, these bites are not dangerous. Due to the natural habitats of true water bugs, the likelihood that they make their way into homes is fairly low to non-existent. As such, they are rarely considered pests.

Leaf-Footed Bugs

Unsurprisingly, these pests are known for having back legs that resemble leaves. Their bodies are shaped like a long, rectangular shield with six legs, two compound eyes, and a pair of long antennae. They measure about 0.75 to 1 inch long and have zig-zag patterns on their wings. Leaf-footed bugs are related closely with other “sucking insects,” for example stink bugs. “Sucking insects,” are infamous for sucking on, or consuming, the nectar and juices of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and more. Most commonly, leaf-footed bugs can be found in gardens feeding on thistles, weeds, or tomatoes.

Harlequin Bugs

With bodies shaped like a shield and red-orange and black patterns dappled across their shells, these interesting bugs look like a cross between stink bugs and ladybugs. Harlequin bugs can be found across the United States and are known for being garden pests that have a particular taste for cruciferous vegetables. Like aphids and other garden pests, Harlequin bugs like to lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves. These eggs easily stand out due to their unique black and white striped appearance and are typically laid in groups of 12. Luckily, removing these garden pests can be relatively simple and often does not require the use of insecticides. By just removing any host plants when eggs are found, most Harlequin bug infestations can be avoided.

Citations

Choate, P. (no date) giant water bugs, electric light bugs – Lethocerus, Abedus, Abedus (Das), The University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Available at: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bugs/giant_water_bugs.htm (Accessed: June 11, 2021). Few, J. (2020) Harlequin Bug, Extension Entomology. Texas A&M University. Available at: https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/harlequin-bug/ (Accessed: June 11, 2021). Giant Water Bug (2017) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Available at: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/giant-water-bug (Accessed: June 11, 2021). Ingels, C. (2014) Leaffooted Bug, University of California Statewide IPM Program. University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Available at: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74168.html (Accessed: June 11, 2021). Ingels, C. and Haviland, D. (2014) Leaffooted Bugs: An Increasing Problem in Gardens, University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Available at: https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=14665 (Accessed: June 11, 2021). Knox, M. (2015) Harlequin Bug – Murgantia histrionica (Hahn), The University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Available at: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/VEG/LEAF/harlequin_bug.htm (Accessed: June 11, 2021). Laura (2015) These 9 Bugs Found In Illinois Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine, OnlyInYourState. Available at: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/bugs-il/ (Accessed: June 9, 2021). True Bugs of Illinois (no date) Insect, Bugs and Spider Identification – North America. Available at: https://www.insectidentification.org/insects-by-type-and-region.php?thisState=illinois&thisType=True+Bug (Accessed: June 11, 2021).