Bugs That Eat Mesquite Trees

Insect Identification

• The giant mesquite bug is classified as a true bug, or insect, that has a specialized sucking mouth. The insect is exclusive to mesquite trees, feeding on plant sap during all stages of its growth. The large insect is the largest member in the true bug group. Several of the insects may be seen feeding on a single mesquite tree during the active growth season.

Life Cycle

• The overwintering eggs of the giant mesquite bugs start to hatch in April at the time of tree flowering. The emerging young, or nymphs, are about 1-inch long, spindly legged and start to feed on succulent leaflets. The next nymph stage is different in color, and the insects cluster in packs. At this stage they produce a sweet pungent smell that repels predators. The nymphs turn into adults by the middle of June. Adults lay eggs by the end of summer and die. The lifespan of the insects from birth to death is about eight months.

Description

• The wingless nymphs have red and white stripes, red and black legs, antennae and blue wing stubs. Adults are 1-¼-inch long and have functional black wings with yellow lines. The antennae and legs are red and black striped. Males have enlarged femurs on the back legs. Giant mesquite bugs in various stages of development are sometimes present together on the same tree.

Damage

• Giant mesquite bugs use their sucking mouths to feed on plant juice or sap from all tender plant areas, including the pods. The bugs do not harm tree in any way and infest them only for sustenance. No control is required or necessary even when bugs are present in large colonies.