Acanthocephala terminalis

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Acanthocephala terminalis
Acanthocephala terminalis P1020703a.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Family: Coreidae
Tribe: Acanthocephalini
Genus: Acanthocephala
Species:
A. terminalis
Binomial name
Acanthocephala terminalis
(Dallas, 1852)
Synonyms [1] [2]
  • Acanthocephala confraterna (Uhler, 1871)
  • Metapodius instabilis
  • Metapodius terminalis
Acanthocephala terminalis nymph Acanthocephala terminalis - nymph.jpg
Acanthocephala terminalis nymph

Acanthocephala terminalis is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. [1] [3] [4] [5] It is found in North America. [1]

Contents

Acanthocephala terminalis on milkweed
Two leaf-footed bugs interact.

Description

Acanthocephala terminalis is usually around 18-25mm long [6] with a dark gray to black color. They have large femora (or thighs), [7] the fourth (and last) section of their antennae have orange coloration, and the tibia (or end) of their hind legs have a flat, leaf-like, appearance. [8] [9] Both juveniles and adults produce defensive scent from their thorax as a repellant. [7]

Range and habitat

Acanthocephala terminalis is usually found in the eastern half of the United States and parts of southeast Canada. [1] [2] They will usually live in woodlands, fields, and meadows. [5]

Life cycle

Acanthocephala terminalis will begin its mating period in late spring, and females will lay eggs on host plants. Once the juveniles hatch they will molt five times before they reach adulthood. With each molt the nymphs will slightly more resemble the adults. Acanthocephala terminalis overwinters and are seen in groups before and after meeting in overwintering quarters. [7] [9]

Sexual dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is relatively limited, although males typically have thicker, curved hind legs and will have fewer spikes, while body size remains relatively stagnant. [10] [6]

Diet

Acanthocephala terminalis will eat the sap of trees and other plants without causing damage. Notable plants eaten are staghorn sumac, riverbank grape, and ninebark. [8] [9]

Related Research Articles

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<i>Anisoscelis podalicus</i> Species of true bug

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Acanthocephala terminalis Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  2. 1 2 "Acanthocephala terminalis". inaturalist. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  3. "Acanthocephala terminalis species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  4. "Acanthocephala terminalis". GBIF. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  5. 1 2 "Acanthocephala terminalis Species Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  6. 1 2 "Review of Acanthocephala (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) of America north of Mexico with a key to species" (PDF). Magnolia Press. 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 "Acanthocephala terminalis, Vol. 9, No. 09". extension.msstate.edu. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  8. 1 2 "Leaf-footed Bugs (Family Coreidae)". uwm.edu. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 "Leaf-footed Bug Nymph". mlbs.virginia.edu. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  10. "Acanthocephala terminalis Leaf-footed Bug". floridanature.org. Retrieved 20 July 2024.

Further reading