About Zelus luridus Stål, 1862
Zelus luridus Stål, 1862 ranges in total length from 12.5 to 18 millimetres (0.49 to 0.71 in). On average, adult females measure 16 millimetres (0.63 in) long, while adult males measure 14 millimetres (0.55 in) long. The species' base body color is pale green, but markings on its back can vary from dark brown or red to bright yellow. Nymphs are typically a more uniform solid green, are wingless, and have narrower bodies than adult individuals. The most consistent feature for distinguishing this species from other related species is a pair of spines located on the rear corners of the pronotum. These spines are longer in lighter-colored Zelus luridus individuals, and shorter in darker-colored individuals. The species can also be identified by dark bands on the distal ends of the femurs, though these bands are often too pale to be easily visible. Egg masses are laid between late June and August; each egg mass is conical with a flat top. Females lay egg masses on leaves in groups of 20 to 50 eggs, and the eggs are bound together with a sticky, brownish material. A bite from Zelus luridus is extremely painful.
