The genus Leptoglossus contains over 40 species, of which 10 are regarded as economically damaging species. One of these economically important species is Leptoglossus occidentalis.
The genus Leptoglossus is characterised by a number of features:
In North America Leptoglossus occidentalis looks very similar to L. corculus and may be distinguished by examining the expansions on the hind-legs and the colouration of the body segments.
In the UK L. occidentalis is easily recognisable because none of our native coreids look like it.