I've seen them around too, but never in high enough numbers to be a problem, but they are pests. It's a good idea to get familiar with bugs of that type so you don't kill one of the good guys like assassin bugs or wheel bugs which are similar in shape and size. For anyone that is interested this site has pictures of both. Scroll down a bit to ORDER HEMPITERA to read descriptions and see photos.

Here is a link that might be useful: Field Guide to Common Texas Insects ...

Thanks for the link. I haven't seen that before, and it nicely breaks down the various types of insects for reference and more information.

Yes, I'm familiar with milkweed assassin bugs (yes, they look similar) and wheel bugs. I'm not going to bother ones like that that probably don't bother vegetables. But I do have plenty of information now that the particular leaffooted bug I've seen is a troublemaker. I found one (the same one?) yesterday on one of my eggplants, and put it in a jar.

horrid things, they will suck all the juice and ruin your tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and whatever else their evil jaws can get into. Kill 'em!
Tally HO!

They aren't nice. One year, I had an infestation of them on my tomatoes. They would suck and disfigure the fruits. Fortunately, they're pretty easy to catch, but by the time I realized I had a problem, I had to take a few minutes every day carefully inspecting the plants looking for them. I hear that a portable vacuum cleaner is a handy tool with which to suck them up. Other years, I just see an occasional one.

Get 'em early. Once they start laying eggs, life gets hard.

The "leaf foot" is the identifying marker. Their legs have little flaps down near the ends. You won't see those on other, otherwise similar bugs (stink bugs, assassin bugs).