Acanthocephala terminalis

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

Acanthocephala terminalis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
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]
  • Metapodius terminalis Dallas, 1852
  • Anisoscelis prominulus Rathvon, 1869
  • Acanthocephala (Metapodius) terminalis Stål, 1870
  • Metapodius confraternus Uhler, 1871
  • Metapodius instabilis Uhler, 1871
Acanthocephala terminalis - nymph
Acanthocephala terminalis nymph
Acanthocephala terminalis on milkweed
Two leaf-footed bugs interact.

Description

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Acanthocephala terminalis is usually around 18–25 millimetres (0.71–0.98 in) long[1] with a dark gray to black color. The fourth (and last) segment of their antennae have orange coloration, and the tibia of their hind legs have a flat, leaf-like, appearance.[1] Sexual dimorphism is relatively limited. The hind femora and shape of the expanded hind tibia may differ slightly in shape, while body size remains relatively constant.[1]

Range and habitat

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Acanthocephala terminalis is usually found in the eastern half of the United States and parts of southeast Canada.[3] They will usually live in woodlands, fields, and meadows.[5]

Ecology and life cycle

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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 as an adult.[1] Both juveniles and adults produce defensive scent from their thorax as a repellant.[6] Food plants include staghorn sumac, riverbank grape, and ninebark.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f McPherson, J. E.; Packauskas, Richard J.; Sites, Robert W.; Taylor, Steven J.; Bundy, C. Scott; Bradshaw, Jeffrey D.; Mitchell, Paula Levin (2011). "Review of Acanthocephala (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) of America north of Mexico with a key to species". Zootaxa. 2835 (1). doi:10.11646/zootaxa.2835.1.2.
  2. ^ "species Acanthocephala terminalis (Dallas, 1852)". Coreoidea Species File Online. Version 5.0/5.0. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Acanthocephala terminalis Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Archived from the original on 2021-10-27. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  4. ^ "Acanthocephala terminalis species details". Catalogue of Life. Archived from the original on 2024-08-06. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  5. ^ a b "Acanthocephala terminalis Species Information". BugGuide.net. Archived from the original on 2017-10-18. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  6. ^ Hepburn, H.R.; Yonke, T.R. (April 1971). "The Metathoracic Scent Glands of Coreoid Heteroptera". Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society. 44 (2): 187–210. JSTOR 25082403. Retrieved November 8, 2024.

Further reading

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