Bug Identifier
Leaf-footed Bug
Community identification

Leaf-footed Bug

Acanthocephala declivis

Order & Family
Hemiptera / Coreidae
Size
28–34 mm (approximately 1.1–1.4 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in forests, woodlands, gardens, and agricultural areas, primarily on host plants like citrus, pecans, and various shrubs.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices, especially from fruits, seeds, and soft stems.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving and primarily active during the day. They have a hemi-metabolous life cycle (egg, nymph, adult). In colder months, adults often seek shelter in crevices or under leaf litter to overwinter.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a minor agricultural pest due to fruit damage. They are generally harmless to humans but can emit a foul-smelling liquid from scent glands if threatened; they rarely bite but can cause slight irritation if they do.