Weapon-polymorphism
Guides
Narnia femorata
Leaf-footed Cactus Bug
Narnia femorata is a leaf-footed bug (Coreidae) native to the southern United States and Central America. The species was introduced to Florida in the 1960s via nursery stock and is now fully established. It feeds primarily on cactus fruit, especially Opuntia species, using a long tube-like beak. Males possess enlarged, spiny hind femora used as weapons in male-male combat for territories on cactus pads bearing fruit. The species exhibits pronounced phenotypic plasticity, with body size, weapon size, and beak length changing seasonally in response to host plant fruit availability. Populations have been documented utilizing Cirsium thistle as an alternative host, representing a recent host range expansion.