Acanthocephala declivis (Giant Leaf-footed Bug) - imm.
 
 
 
Size: approx. 6 mm. Photo: 06/16/14, 7 pm.


A nymph. Once it's grown up, it will be an impressive leaf-footed bug with extra wide "shoulders" or as the bug guide puts it "Humeral angles of pronotum broadly expanded, extending laterally well beyond maximum lateral abdominal margin." The small photos (08/10/14) show an earlier instar of Acanthocephala sp. 
 

  
 
bug guide (this photo):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/939387


Acanthocephala terminalis.
 
 
 
Size: approx. 20 mm. Photo: 07/05/14, 8 pm.


About three weeks after spotting the nymph, I found this grown-up version. It is rather large and the apical segments of the antenna have a striking orange color whereas the rest of the antennae is very dark. 
 
 
bug guide (this photo):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/951184


Euthochtha galeator (Helmeted Squash Bug) ♂.
 
 
 
Size: approx. 15 mm. Photo: 06/28/12, noon.


This Helmeted Squash Bug (Euthochtha galeator) is widespread from the Texas/Dakota line eastwards. It feeds on various plants and can become a pest damaging roses, citrus, as well as other fruits and ornamentals. This specimen is a male with a characteristic white spur or flap on the side of its thorax.  
 

 
bug guide (these photos):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/665056
UF:
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/flowers/euthochtha_galeator.htm


Leptoglossus corculus (Leaf-footed Pine Seed Bug).
 
 
 
Size: approx. 15 mm. Photo: 08/06/14, 7 pm.


This bug is less common in Florida and closely associated with pine trees. Eggs are found in rows on pine needles. The second-stage nymphs feed on conelets, whereas older nymphs and adults feed the seed in cones. The second link notes that adults of this species can invade homes during the colder months (in NJ) but cause no damage to food, people, or the house structure. I found this specimen over the running (exterior) fan of our HVAC system. 
 
 
bug guide (this photo):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/972759
Barbara J. Bromley:
http://www.mgofmc.org/pinebug.html


Leptoglossus fulvicornis - imm.
 
 
 
Size: approx. 10 and 20 mm. Photo: 08/20/11, 10 am.


Nymphs of a Leaf-Footed Bug; most likely Leptoglossus fulvicornis. The species is highly specialized to magnolia trees and feeds on their (mature and developing) fruits. The big gray one is the fifth instar. The small photos show other stages. These bugs are highly gregarious and hang out in groups of 5-20. 
 

  
 
bug guide (this photo):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/565583


Leptoglossus fulvicornis.
 
 
 
Size: approx. 20-25 mm. Photo: 08/25/11, 10 am.


For one week I've been waiting to see an adult Leaf-Footed Bug (Leptoglossus fulvicornis) on this magnolia tree. Here it is. It differs from the similar species L. oppositus by the lack of three white spots across the back. The small photo shows the same specimen and a fifth instar which is still rather pale and might have "emerged" very recently.  
 

 
bug guide (these photos):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/568247


Leptoglossus oppositus.
 
 
 
Size: approx. 16 mm. Photo: 06/07/15, 11 pm.


This nearly uniformly dark leaf-footed bug is Leptoglossus oppositus. Three or four of them were attracted to our porch lights. The species can be found from Texas to New York. The three white spots (as opposed to a horizontal line in other species) are distinctive. In this specimen the spots are slightly yellowish. 
 
 
bug guide (this photo):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/1080383


Leptoglossus phyllopus (Leaf-footed Bug).
 
 
 
Size: approx. 20-25 mm. Photo: 04/21/12, 3 pm.


Leptoglossus phyllopus is a widespread species in the Southeastern US. Its distinguishing mark is the straight white to pale yellow bar on the back (corium). It is a minor pest in citrus groves. Florida is home to nine species of Leptoglossus. The UF document states that L. phyllopus is the only species in this family for which the common name Leaf-Footed is accepted. 
 

 
bug guide (these photos):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/632054
UF:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN22900.pdf