People sometimes use the terms insect and bugs interchangeably as if they mean the same thing. However, in the land of entomology, there is an actually category of insects known as plant bugs. Also called "true bugs", this group includes plant bugs, leaf bugs, predaceous bugs and stinkbugs.

Insects in this group have long legs and antennae with large eyes and the adults hold their wings flat to their bodies. Both as larvae and adults, they feed on tender plant tissue by piercing the surface and eating the cell contents. This results in tan, brown or bleached spots on the leaves or stems that are often mistakenly taken for fungal spots.

The females may also damage plants by laying eggs inside leaves and stems. They generally have 2 or more generations per year and can often have late season populations that can do damage.

Generally, treatment with insecticides labeled for the particular plant bug is the major control option.

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.

Types of Insects

"Name That Bug Page"

 
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