Flag-footed Bug
Anisoscelis affinis
This record describes Anisoscelis affinis (species). Recorded family: Coreidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hind tibia expansion huge, as wide and almost as long as the bug's body Comes to lights (C. Bordelon, pers. comm., 2009 to MAQ). Sp. not listed in Henry and Froeschner (1988) ( 4 ) Note, George B. Vogt (1920-1990) was an entomologist stationed in Brownsville during 1946-47. During this time, George made an extensive collection of Rio Grande Valley beetles and bugs. In 1949, George published 5 papers on s. TX tiger, longhorn and buprestid beetles.
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
- Anisoscelini
- Genus
- Anisoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
at least 30 individuals and pairs on the ornamental shrub, Yellow Buttercup ( Turner ulmifolia , Turneraceae) at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, immediately east of the airport on Oct. 2015 per Lynn Monroe
Geographic Range
s. TX (Cameron & Hidalgo counties) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map (Distant, 1880-1893)
Seasonal Activity
yr round in s. TX USNM has 25 specimens from E. Cameron Co., Tex., taken from 13.IV to 28.VI.1946 by George B. Vogt on Passiflora lutea that appear to be A. affinis (Tom Henry, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2009); TAMUIC has five specimens from the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville, TX (27.X.1979, 13-14.X.1988, 24.X.1992, 6.XI.2009, 16.VII.2010)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
asso. w/ Passifloraceae and Turneraceae (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: affinis = 'similar, related'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Anisoscelis affinis. 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 Flag-footed Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Flag-footed Bug
What is Flag-footed Bug?
Flag-footed Bug (Anisoscelis affinis) is a species in the family Coreidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Flag-footed Bug?
Hind tibia expansion huge, as wide and almost as long as the bug's body
Where is Flag-footed Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | at least 30 individuals and pairs on the ornamental shrub, Yellow Buttercup ( Turner ulmifolia , Turneraceae) at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, immediately east of the airport on Oct. 2015 per Lynn Monroe |
| Range | s. TX (Cameron & Hidalgo counties) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map (Distant, 1880-1893) |
When is Flag-footed Bug active?
Flag-footed Bug: seasonal activity - yr round in s. TX USNM has 25 specimens from E. Cameron Co., Tex., taken from 13.IV to 28.VI.1946 by George B. Vogt on Passiflora lutea that appear to be A. affinis (Tom Henry, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2009); TAMUIC has five specimens from the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville, TX (27.X.1979, 13-14.X.1988, 24.X.1992, 6.XI.2009, 16.VII.2010).
What is the life cycle of a Flag-footed Bug?
asso. w/ Passifloraceae and Turneraceae (BG data)