08/20/2026
These are leaf-footed bug nymphs, very likely a Leptoglossus species. Their bright orange and red bodies, long black legs and antennae, and tendency to gather on developing fruit are characteristic of immature leaf-footed bugs.
And in this case, they are detrimental, not beneficial. Leaf-footed bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed by puncturing developing fruits and seeds. When you see this many nymphs gathered on one fruit, it’s a good idea to intervene.
For a home vegetable garden, Suzanne recommends starting with a simple approach rather than reaching for a broad-spectrum insecticide. Put on gloves and knock or brush the bugs into a container of soapy water. Then inspect the fruit, vines, stems, and especially the undersides of nearby leaves for additional nymphs and egg clusters.
The pale scarring and white spots on the fruit can also be a sign of injury, and a good thing to watch for in your garden!
Have you spotted leaf-footed bug nymphs on your cucumbers or other garden plants this season?