Leaffooted Bug

These insects feed mostly on tomato, potato, bean, cowpea, and okra. Leaffooted bugs overwinter as adults in protected places. The adults mate in the spring and the females lay clusters of barrel-shaped eggs on leaves. The young nymphs resemble adults. Both nymphs and adults suck sap from pods, buds, blossoms, fruit and seeds causing distorted leaves and distorted or deformed fruit. Their life cycle lasts about 40 days with many generations per year.

Control: Plant early to avoid the first generation. Handpicking and destroying the eggs are time-consuming but effective measures. Insecticides are available.