Coreid

Coreid is a term used for any insect in the family Coreidae, a group of true bugs in the order Hemiptera. Members are commonly called leaf-footed bugs, though only some species show the distinctive leaf-like expansion of the hind legs that gives the family its name. Coreids are typically elongate to oval in shape, with well-developed wings and piercing-sucking mouthparts specialized for plant sap. Many species have a broad, shield-like pronotum and can emit odor from thoracic scent glands when disturbed.

Coreids are distributed worldwide, especially in warmer regions, and are most often found on or near vegetation. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plants including fruits, seeds, and stems. Feeding damage can range from cosmetic blemishes to reduced yields, depending on the species and host crop. Several coreid species are agricultural pests, notably the squash bug (Anasa tristis) on cucurbits and various Leptoglossus species on beans, tomatoes, and other crops. Some coreids also feed on seeds or can be opportunistic on other insects.

Life cycle and development follow incomplete metamorphosis: eggs are laid on host plants, nymphs hatch and pass through several instars before becoming adults. In temperate zones, adults may overwinter and recolonize plants in spring, contributing to seasonal population dynamics.

Taxonomically, Coreidae comprises multiple subfamilies, with Coreinae and Alydinae among the largest. The group includes a diversity of genera and species, occupying a variety of habitats from forests to grasslands and agricultural landscapes. Coreids thus represent a widespread and ecologically versatile component of true bug communities.