Acanthocephala alata
This record describes Acanthocephala alata (species). Recorded family: Coreidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Per WonGun Kim, the large dark spot in the center of the pronotum and the dark first to third antennal segments distinguish it from A. declivis
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Coreidae (Leaf-footed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Coreinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocephalini
- Genus
- Acanthocephala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. TX (Austin) to Panama - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Dec (BG data)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Acanthocephala alata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acanthocephala alata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthocephala alata
What is Acanthocephala alata?
Acanthocephala alata is a species in the family Coreidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Acanthocephala alata?
Per WonGun Kim, the large dark spot in the center of the pronotum and the dark first to third antennal segments distinguish it from A. declivis
Where is Acanthocephala alata found?
Range: c. TX (Austin) to Panama - Map
When is Acanthocephala alata active?
Acanthocephala alata: seasonal activity - Apr-Dec (BG data).