It is a major pest of squash and pumpkins, found throughout North America, and is a vector of the cucurbit yellow vine disease bacterium.

[2][3] Anasa tristis can be found on various members of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, but most often occurs on pumpkins and squashes.

Research has shown that nymphs can grow to adulthood with varying degrees of success on different host plants; 70%, 49%, 14%, 0.3% and 0% survived to maturity on pumpkin, squash, watermelon, cucumber and cantaloupe melon respectively.

Historically, at least as far back as 1902, some gardeners believed that A. tristis had toxic saliva, however more recent research from 1993 suggests the process of harming plants does not involve any toxins.

What happens is that the insects physically damage the xylem and leaves of the plant, which causes them to wilt, darken in colour and die.