Leaf-footed bug - Acanthocephala terminalis

in photography •  7 years ago 

Acanthocephala terminalis is readily recognized by the distinctive shape of the leaf-like dilation of its hind tibia. It is frequently encountered in Arkansas, where it can be seen resting and walking on vegetation, especially trees and shrubs along woodland margins and in weedy fields. Nymphs and adults suck sap from various plants, but unlike some relatives such as the squash bug, they are not pestiferous and do not harm cultivated plants. Although they have been observed on many species of plants, they have been reported as definitely feeding on only staghorn sumac, river grape, and nine-bark. In the laboratory, they have been reared on green beans, although nymphal mortality was high. The bugs have been frequently observed on bird droppings, and laboratory studies suggest they probe the droppings with their mouthparts, but it is not known whether or not they actually ingest any of the material. These bugs have one generation per year. Adults pass the winter. Eggs are produced in late spring and early summer. There are five nymphal instars.

All info from the Arkansas University site.
Photos taken with my cellphone.

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Super cool! Thanks for teaching us about this little critter :)

Very good photographs, the bug was also nice to sit still for you :)

I freed one from my office window today!

Nice shots! I don't think I have seen these in Europe.

Those antennae almost look like direction indicators 8-).

Creepy looking!!! But your pics are great! 💚

This bug makes me feel a bit uneasy but this looks amazing,
Especially on that purple flower.
Great Photographs!

Thank you @arckrai!

Beautiful macro shots :)) Keep up the good work!

Thank you, @sunnyriver!

Even if he wouldn't, he LOOKS like he would take a nip out if ya lol.. Very cool!

I didnt touch it just for that very reason! And thankfully it flew away after its photo session. 😂

Wow! They look big! Are they big? They look almost prehistoric! And they look like they're related to my nemesis the Box Elder Bug...

I saw you comment on someone else's blog about echinacea and had to stop over! Following you now! Can't wait to learn more bits and pieces!

It was about an inch long. Thanks @farmstead for stopping by! I really appreciate it! Now I'm going to pop over and check out your blog.