Spined Stilt Bug
(Jalysus spinosus)
Quick ID
A slender, long-legged true bug (about ¼ inch long) with a narrow body, spindly legs, and two small spines sticking out of its “shoulders” (the pronotum). Often pale brown to gray, blending in with stems and leaves.
Ecological Role
Spined stilt bugs are omnivores—they feed on plant juices but also prey on soft-bodied insects like caterpillars and beetle larvae. This dual diet makes them both mild plant nibblers and natural pest controllers.
At-a-Glance
Size: ~¼ inch
Colors: Pale brown or gray, slender body
Key Feature: Long legs + two thoracic spines
Diet: Plant sap + soft-bodied insects
Flight Season: Spring through fall
Social? No—solitary
Where to Find It
Range: Eastern and central North America.
Habitat: Meadows, gardens, woodland edges, and agricultural fields.
Behavior: Often found resting on flowers, grasses, and foliage.
Look-Alikes
Assassin Bugs (Reduviidae): Larger, more robust, with a powerful beak.
Plant Bugs (Miridae): Similar in size, but lack the spines and have shorter legs.
Why It Matters
By keeping small herbivorous insects in check, spined stilt bugs quietly support plant health in gardens and wild habitats. They’re also an important food source for birds and other predators higher up the food chain.
Safety
Unlike their assassin bug cousins, spined stilt bugs are harmless to humans. They don’t bite unless severely mishandled, and even then, their bite is much milder.
Fun Fact
They get their name from both their long stilt-like legs and the little spines on their thorax. Their spindly look helps them stay unnoticed among plant stems.
Dig Deeper
Curious for more? Read the blog.
Recommended Book References
Reading, annotating, procrastinating—check back soon!
Get emails from us — the fun kind, not the spammy kind.