Acanthocephala femorata

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acanthocephala femorata: /əˌkænθoʊˈsɛfələ fɛməˈreɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Florida Leaf-footed Bug - Acanthocephala femorata (51191405051) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Annual report of the Board of Agriculture for the year ending June 30th (1883) (14581606460) by Vermont. State Board of Agriculture;

Vermont. State Board of Agriculture, Manufactures and Mining. Used under a No restrictions license.

Florida leaf-footed bug (Go Gators!) (5831684675) by Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Florida leaf-footed bug by Wknight94 talk. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Acanthocephala femorata (22228317338) by Insects Unlocked
. Used under a CC0 license.

True bug (24910871472) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Acanthocephala femorata, commonly known as the Florida leaf-footed bug, is a species of hemipteran insect notable for its distinctive appearance and diet, primarily affecting citrus and rose plants, while also serving as prey for various predators.

Physical Characteristics

25-28 mm in length; body reddish brown to nearly black; lower rear legs wider than upper legs with serrations; males have greatly swollen hind femur with a large spike; females have slender hind femur with several small spikes; long, slim, curving antennae with distinctive orange tips.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive shape of the body and the coloration; males have a pronounced spike on the hind femur and males appear bulkier than females.

Habitat

Usually found on brush and small trees in forests, woodlands, and old fields.

Distribution

Found in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas, extending to El Salvador.

Diet

Feeds on citrus and roses, causing damage to these plants.

Life Cycle

Mono- or bivoltine; eggs are cemented to leaves.

Reproduction

Eggs are cemented to leaves; lifecycle includes a larval stage.

Predators

Parasitic flies, birds, and assassin bugs.

Ecosystem Role

Considered a pest in crop systems, but also part of the food web due to its role as prey for predators.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest; damages citrus and rose plants, affecting agricultural yields.

Collecting Methods

Netting in areas of known populations
Sweep netting in fields and woodlands

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Ethyl acetate vapor for killing and preserving specimens

Evolution

Genus name Acanthocephala means 'spiny head' referring to the structure of the head.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other types of plant-feeding insects, but its distinctive legs and antennae can help in identification.