Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Orig. Comb: Physoplia crassicornis Amyot and Serville 1843
Explanation of Names
"cornis" translates to "horn/beak/tusk/claw", and
"crassi" translates to "thick" and "coarse".
Numbers
4 spp. n. of Mex. (The most common is
U. crassicornis)
(1)Size
adult is about 0.5 inch in length (~13 mm)
Identification
"The thorn bug (
images,
images) is a variable species as to size, color and structure, particularly the pronotal horn of males. Typically, the adult is about 0.5 inch in length and is green or yellow with reddish lines and brownish markings. ... Young nymphs have three horns instead of the one seen on the adults."
University of Florida
1 Male, 3 Female, and 2 Imm. pix:
Range
Southern Florida and southern Texas, south to South America.
Habitat
Numerous legumes and other ornamental and fruit trees.
Season
In Florida, adults and nymphs can be found all year. Reports of heavy infestations have been received in all seasons, but probably more have come in during the cooler months. - University of Florida
Food
Both young and adults feed on the same trees. Many times both are found together in clusters on branches.
Life Cycle
The female actively tends her brood or colony, which can number from 15 to 50 individuals.
Remarks
Doing a quick web-search, U. crassicornis has been the subject of several studies regarding insect parental care and in insect communication.
Print References
"Florida's Fabulous Insects", pp 74-75
(2)Internet References
University of Florida - a printable pdf version of the site's information.
