Giant Agave Bug
Acanthocephala thomasi
This record describes Acanthocephala thomasi (species). Recorded family: Coreidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apical segment of antennae bright orange, remaining segments dark; metatibial flange parallel-sided and extending the length of tibia; humeral angles relatively small (greatly expanded in A. declivis ); this combination of 3 characters is diagnostic. Males have greatly swollen hind femora bearing at least one large spike; females have slender hind femora bearing several small spikes. Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2021
Wikipedia reference for Acanthocephala thomasi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthocephala_thomasi.
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
sw. US (se.CA to c.TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct in NM
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acanthocephala thomasi (Uhler 1872)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Acanthocephala thomasi. 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 Giant Agave Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , drswanny , David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Agave Bug
What is Giant Agave Bug?
Giant Agave Bug (Acanthocephala thomasi) is a species in the family Coreidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Giant Agave Bug?
24-31 mm
How do you identify Giant Agave Bug?
Apical segment of antennae bright orange, remaining segments dark; metatibial flange parallel-sided and extending the length of tibia; humeral angles relatively small (greatly expanded in A. declivis ); this combination of 3 characters is diagnostic. Males have greatly swollen hind femora bearing at least one large spike; females have slender hind femora bearing several small spikes. Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2021
Where is Giant Agave Bug found?
Range: sw. US (se.CA to c.TX) - Map
When is Giant Agave Bug active?
Giant Agave Bug: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct in NM.