Acanthocephala declivis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Coreoidea
Family: Coreidae
Subfamily: Coreinae
Tribe: Acanthocephalini
Genus: Acanthocephala
Species: declivis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acanthocephala declivis: //əˌkænθoʊˈsɛfələ dɪˈklaɪvɪs//

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Summary

Acanthocephala declivis, commonly known as the giant leaf-footed bug, is the largest member of its genus in its distribution area, notable for its distinctive morphology and sexual behaviors.

Physical Characteristics

28-34 mm in length; humeral angles of pronotum broadly expanded, extending laterally beyond maximum lateral abdominal margin; metatibial flange broad until apex, then curving in at right angles to tibial shaft; anterior pronotal lobe with 2 small shining blunt tubercles along midline.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species by a broadly expanding pronotum and the presence of blunt tubercles on the midline of the anterior pronotal lobe, which are not found in other Acanthocephala species within its range.

Habitat

Found year-round in warmer southern climates, especially central Texas, and across various regions including El Salvador and the Greater Antilles.

Distribution

Southern United States (Virginia-Florida to Missouri-Arkansas-Arizona) to El Salvador and the Greater Antilles.

Reproduction

Males exhibit sexual competition using their hind leg dimorphism; larger hind legs are used to squeeze other males during mating competition.