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 is characterised by a number of features:

• a striking pattern of lines or dots on the hemelytra, the thickened part of the wings
• leaf-like expansions on the hind-legs
• a narrow and elongated head

In North America Leptoglossus occidentalis looks very similar to Leptoglossus corculus and may be distinguished by examining the expansions on the hind-legs and the colouration of the body segments.In the UK Leptoglossus occidentalis is easily recognisable because none of our native coreids look like it.