Althos
Althos
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
- Superfamily: Coreoidea
- Family: Coreidae
- Subfamily: Coreinae
- Tribe: Hypselonotini
- Genus: Althos
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Althos: /ˈælt.hoʊs/
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Images
Summary
Althos is a Neotropical genus of leaf-footed bugs, part of the Coreidae family, with a diverse range of species primarily found in plant-rich environments.
Physical Characteristics
Leaf-footed bugs characterized by flattened, leaf-like expansions on their hind legs.
Identification Tips
Look for flattened hind legs that resemble leaves, typically found in plant-rich environments.
Habitat
Forests, fields, and gardens, particularly in areas with abundant vegetation.
Distribution
Primarily Neotropical, with some species extending into the southern United States.
Diet
Herbivorous, feeding on the sap of plants and fruits.
Life Cycle
Undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, including egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on plant surfaces, which hatch into nymphs.
Predators
Birds, spiders, and other predatory insects.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as both herbivores and prey for a variety of animals, contributing to the plant-insect interaction dynamics.
Economic Impact
May affect agricultural crops, particularly those with fleshy fruits.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep netting
- Hand collection
- Light traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinned specimens
- Ethanol preservation
- Storage in insect boxes
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other similar-looking hemipterans; leaf-footed bugs are not harmful to humans or pets.
Tags
- Hemiptera
- Coreidae
- Leaf-footed bugs
- Althos