Giant Leaf Footed Bug

Males have greatly swollen hind femora bearing at least one large spike.

Giant leaf footed bug. Adults are particularly active in the fall. These distinctive bugs get their name from the small leaf-like enlargements on the hind leg Figure 1. The way the flat part of the shin goes in at a right angle above the foot is one of the identifying characteristics.

According to BugGuide. Leafooted bugs are found in Florida throughout the year but are most active during the warmer months. There are different types of species and subspecies with different types of color and traits.

Females have slender hind. Giant Leaf-Footed BugAcanthocephela declivis is a bug of many names found to be known as. They eat plant juices and not animal blood.

Leaf-footed bugs take their common name from leaf-shaped expansions of the hind tibia and femora. Leaf footed bugs tend to be shaped similarly to stink bugs and appear in drab colors like tan gray brown and black once they reach adulthood. This is a Giant Agave Bug Acanthocephala thomasi and you can compare your image to this image from BugGuide.

Adult leaffooted bugs are readily recognized by their characteristic hind legs. Another species Acanthocephala declivis Say is one of the largest true bugs in Texas being over an inch in length as an adult. Ive found it a few times and its definitely a big one too.

They are approximately 12 to 34 in length not including their long antennae. Leaf-Footed Bug Assassin Bug Kissing Bug Stink Bug. They are medium to large sized insects that prefer to feed on fruits and seeds and are often found in groups.