Diet

• Adults and nymphs: Herbivorous, using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap.

• They may feed on leaves, stems, flowers, fruits and developing seeds, depending on the species.

• The host-plant associations of individual Chariesterus species are not particularly well documented, but members of the genus are generally associated with woody and herbaceous plants.

Range

• Chariesterus is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) in the subfamily Coreinae.

• The genus is primarily Neotropical, with species occurring from Mexico and Central America through northern and tropical South America.

• It is occasionally sighted in Zihua, particularly in areas with abundant shrubs, vines and other broad-leaved vegetation.

Habitat

• Found in tropical dry forest, tropical deciduous forest, woodland, scrub, forest edges, gardens and agricultural areas.

• Adults are usually encountered on leaves, stems and branches, where their elongated bodies can blend with vegetation.

• Around Zihua, examine shrubs, vines and small trees, particularly during the rainy season when fresh plant growth is abundant.

• They may also be encountered on flowering or fruiting plants.

Size

• Adult length: generally approximately 15–25 mm (0.6–1.0 in), depending on species.

• Body elongated and relatively robust.

• Colouration is commonly brown, reddish-brown or greyish-brown, sometimes with contrasting markings.

• Like other Coreidae, the hind legs are modified, although the shape and degree of expansion varies among species.