Insect · GBIF taxon 5156078
Giant leaf-footed bug
Acanthocephala declivisAlso known as Broad-Necked Leaf-Footed Bug
Giant leaf-footed bugs navigate forest canopies and suburban gardens across southern North America, using long piercing mouthparts to drink nutrient-rich sap from woody plants and fruit. Broadly expanded, wing-like pronotal shoulders give adults a distinct broad-shouldered silhouette that easily distinguishes them from close relatives. When threatened, these robust insects release a pungent defensive fluid from thoracic glands to deter hungry predators.
Flanged LegsHerbivoreSap Feeder
1 / 7—observations
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Tree Sap
- Plant Juices
- Fruit Nectar
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spiders
ThreatsInsecticide use and extreme freeze events
HabitatsWoodlands, forest edges, orchards, and garden landscapes
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderHemiptera
- FamilyCoreidae
- GenusAcanthocephala
- SpeciesAcanthocephala declivis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can pierce skin with its beak if squeezed or handled; observe without touching.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan tree trunks, thickets, and garden foliage on warm sunny afternoons.
- Disturbance: Maintain a short distance to prevent the bug from dropping off branches or flying.
- Protection: Avoid squeezing or picking up adults directly to prevent defensive stinks or beak pokes.
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Alejandro Santillana · cc0
Close Relative (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz · cc-by
Family Member (c) Holger Krisp, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz · cc-by
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