Lygus Bugs,
Lygus hesperus (Knight)
Lygus elisus (Van D.)
Lygus lineolaris (P. de B.)

These species commonly attack forage crops, especially legumes. The three species have practically the same biology and are similar. It is difficult for anyone other than a specialist to identify them readily. They are about 1/5 to 1/4 inch long, are flattened and vary from yellow or brown to dark brown or almost black.

Lygus bugs feed by sucking the juices from leaves, stems and fruits of many plants. The injury is concentrated on the terminal buds, blooms and young fruit. They pass the winter as adults usually in hibernation but may be more or less active throughout mild winters. A generation is completed in 20 to 30 days during the spring and summer.