Insect · GBIF taxon 5156079
Acanthocephala terminalis
Acanthocephala terminalisAlso known as Orange-tipped Leaf-footed Bug
Leaf-footed bugs feature distinctive leaf-like expansions on their hind legs and bright orange tips on their antennae. Adults spend sunny days clinging to foliage, using piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on tree sap, flower buds, and seeds. When threatened, they release a pungent defensive scent to deter hungry birds and small predators.
DiurnalHerbivoreCamouflaged
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Plant sap
- Flower buds
- Developing seeds
Predators
- Songbirds
- Jumping spiders
- Assassin bugs
ThreatsPesticide application and extreme habitat clearing
HabitatsWoodlands, forest edges, meadows, and overgrown gardens
Life span1–2 years
Classification
- OrderHemiptera
- FamilyCoreidae
- GenusAcanthocephala
- SpeciesAcanthocephala terminalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Foliage searching: Look on sunny leaves, stems, and tree trunks along forest borders.
- Gentle handling: Avoid squeezing them to prevent triggering their foul smelling defensive spray.
Close Relative (c) Tyler Bishop, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tyler Bishop · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Holger Krisp, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz · cc-by
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