What is on this zucchini stem?
Eggs of a leaffooted bug (Leptoglossus spp.) found on a zucchini stem.
Tom Bilbo, ©2024, Clemson Extension
These are eggs of a leaffooted bug (Leptoglossus spp.) found on a zucchini stem in a field in Charleston. Several species occur in SC that show up in fruiting vegetables. The eggs are laid in a line, sometimes very continuous and sometimes broken up (like here). Leaffooted bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts like stink bugs and cause similar damage. As an economic pest, leaffooted bugs are perhaps worst in tomatoes and peppers. Less so in zucchini and summer squash, but their feeding can result in misshapen fruit. For management options, see the SE Vegetable Crop Handbook.
Up close view of leaffooted bug eggs.
Tom Bilbo , ©2024, Clemson Extension
Adult leaffooted bug on Zucchini.
Tom Bilbo, ©2024, Clemson Extension
