Acanthocephala femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Male Acanthocephala femorata
Vicky Bertagnolli ©2020, Clemson Extension
Acanthocephala femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is a relatively large, dark brown bug. The antennae are dull and uniformly reddish or orangish colored. The hind femora of females are slender and bear several small spikes. The hind tibia looks typical of many other Coreids (flattened and leaf-like). The hind femora of males are greatly thicked and armed with a large spine. The flange on the hind tibia gently tapers distally.
Male Acanthocephala femorata use their legs to wrestle other males for territory and access to females. Males squeeze opposing males with their hind legs pressing their spines into the opponent’s abdomen in an attempt to dislodge the opponent from a plant.
