Acholla multispinosa
(De Geer, 1773)
Acholla multispinosa is a of assassin bug in the Reduviidae. It is the most widespread species in its , occurring across eastern North America from New England south through the Appalachians to Tennessee and North Carolina, and west through the Great Lakes region to Kansas, Nebraska, and southeast Iowa. are most conspicuous in autumn, though they can be found beginning in July. The species is arboreal, primarily inhabiting woodlands and orchards.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acholla multispinosa: /əˈkoʊlə ˌmʌltiˈspaɪnoʊsə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the similar Sinea by its lack of prominent spines on the inner surface of the tibia on the front leg, and by its less 'thorny' overall appearance. Acholla multispinosa averages slightly larger than Sinea , with body length ranging 12–16 mm compared to 12–14 mm for Sinea.
Images
Habitat
Primarily arboreal, associated with trees. Found in woodlands and orchards.
Distribution
Eastern North America: New England south along the Appalachian Mountains to Tennessee and North Carolina; west through the Great Lakes region to Kansas, Nebraska, and southeast Iowa.
Seasonality
active from July through autumn, with peak visibility in autumn.
Diet
of caterpillars, including the Pine Webworm (Pococera robustella, Pyralidae) and the Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella, family Tortricidae).
Life Cycle
Overwinters in the stage. Eggs are adhered to substrate with a hardened secretion from the female's subrectal glands, which likely insulates against weather and desiccation and may repel .
Behavior
Arboreal, feeding on insects associated with trees.
Ecological Role
of lepidopteran larvae in woodland and orchard .
Human Relevance
Documented as a natural enemy of orchard pests, specifically the Codling Moth ('worm' in apples).
Similar Taxa
- Sinea spp.Similar appearance, but Sinea has prominent spines on the inner surface of the front tibia and a more 'thorny' appearance overall; also slightly smaller on average.
- Acholla ampliataWestern North American found in Colorado, California, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico; does not overlap geographically with A. multispinosa.