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Raising Acanthocephala terminalis (Hemiptera: Coreidae) from Egg to Adult

Acanthocephala terminalis (acantho="thornlike"+ kephalē = "head"; terminalis refers to the trademark red-tipped antennae) are a type of leaf-footed bug (Coreidae family).



These insects, commonly found in the eastern half of the United States and beyond, are quite easy to raise from egg to adult. Because of the simplicity of their housing and care, these bugs are likely suitable for school projects or for demonstrating incomplete metamorphosis (egg > nymph > adult) in an easily observable diurnal insect.

(Note: A similarly easy project demonstrating complete metamorphosis in a beetle species is described here.)

Distinctive features of these guys are the red tips of the four-segmented antennae and the prominent wavy tibial flanges.



In this short article, I will discuss 1) Finding the bugs, 2) Housing and Care, 3) Life Cycle, and 4) Observations and Articles.


Finding Acanthocephala terminalis

I seem to find these insects rather randomly and mostly only in spring here in Texas. Since they suck sap from plants, they can occur on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and plant fruits and berries. In my yard, I have found several on Ptelea trifoliata. Various websites list potential host plants including hickory, goldenrod, boneset, Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium), Physocarpus, sumac, grape, and others.
Here's one that I found on Willow (Salix nigra):


Even though Acanthocephala terminalis fly well, they are easy to collect. I use 4"x4" clear plastic containers and catch either just the bug or the bug with vegetation. (I always carry small clippers to cut off bits of stems so that my creatures will be more comfortable in the containers. If I catch only the insect, I add a bit of vegetation to the container. Nymphs, of course, are easier to collect, and eggs are even easier! The key is simply to recognise them.


Housing and Care of Acanthocephala terminalis

For housing of these fairly large insects who are adept at flight, I use large 36"x24"x24" mesh butterfly cages. These cages are large enough to house several 4-inch potted plants as well as food and drink dishes.

For anyone using butterfly cages, I highly recommend training yourself to open the cages carefully. First, look through the clear area along the zipper to see if anyone is resting on the zipper. Every type of creature I have raised has shown a partiality for resting on the zipper area. Second, carefully open the zipper just enough to slip a finger inside. Third, run your finger ahead of the zipper as you slowly unzip the cage. This will ensure that you move any lingering critters with your finger rather than with the zipper, which can kill them. Likewise, zip the cage back up very carefully by holding the sides of the cage with one hand and zipping a little bit at a time so as to keep the cage stable. Watch carefully to make sure all creatures are away from the zipper.

Acanthocephala adults may try to fly out, so use caution when the cage is unzipped. In addition, adults or nymphs near the zipper may try to crawl out, so always keep a close eye on the open area of the cage while you are working.

Sample rearing cage used for a variety of insects:


For plants, I add a variety of native plants in 4-inch pots (10cm; holds ~0.5L of soil). The insects will munch on the plants as well as climb on them, rest on them, and moult on them.


For supplemental food and drink for these insects and the others who share their cage, I use the following: organic Romaine lettuce, organic apple slices, whole rolled oats, pecan/walnut/almond pieces, fresh water, and nectar sponges (cellulose sponges soaked in half clear Gatorade, half water). Acanthocephala are most interested in the apple slices and the nectar sponges and water when they are not munching on their plants. They will eat quite a variety of foods, including dead insects, so if someone dies in the cage, I have to pick the Acanthocephala off the body in order to remove the deceased insect.

Acanthocephala terminalis on apple:


Acantocephala terminalis on butterfly sponge:


Acanthocephala terminalis on lettuce:


Here's a VIDEO of an Acanthocephala terminalis munching lettuce.


Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

EGG

Females lay eggs individually, attaching them to plants or other surfaces.

Here are freshly laid eggs, which are pale green:


These eggs show details of the well-developed Acanthocephala terminalis nymph:


Here, one egg has hatched and the other two are nearly ready:


NYMPH

Hatching:

In captivity, eggs tended to hatch after around two weeks.
This little one has just hatched with the eggshell still attached:


This little fellow managed to get out of his egg, but then he stepped in it:


And here's someone newly hatched after a couple of siblings:


First Instar:

Nymphs are born almost transparent with white and red and orange colourings:


Here is a VIDEO of a just-born Acanthocephala nymph taking a few first steps.

By the second day, they darken up quite a bit:


Second Instar:

These are second-instar nymphs, with the last one shown beside an adult:


Third Instar:

Here are two third-instar nymphs:


Fourth Instar:

These are fourth-instar nymphs:


Fifth Instar:

And, finally, here are fifth-instar nymphs with their nice wingpads:


ADULT

The fastest egg-laid-to-adult cycles were around three months; however, some individuals remain in fifth instar for a prolonged period of time.
Here's an exceptionally handsome adult:


This adult has a just-born baby riding his antennae:


And here's an adult Acantocephala terminalis next to a cousin, Leptoglossus phyllopus. (The nymph is a fifth-instar Leptoglossus phyllopus.)



Observations and Articles

Acanthocephala terminalis are very easy to raise and generally "well-behaved." They can be kept happy and comfortable in a large cage with a good variety of plants and foods. I recommend at least a 36-inch cage to allow these guys a bit of room to fly. You will hear the buzz of their flight as they nimbly move from place to place.

Mating is prolonged, and as with many insects, the female will roam around and often feed during mating.



Here is a VIDEO of an fifth-instar nymph grooming his antenna.

While the tibial flanges can sometimes vary a bit in size and shape among individuals, they remain prominent in first-instar nymphs through adults.

I noticed that some nymphs remain in fifth-instar for up to ten months. I assume they are waiting for an ideal time to mature and mate.

These insects are fun to raise, fascinating to observe, and overall a gentle and friendly species suitable for anyone new to rearing.


A FEW ARTICLES:

Leaf-footed Bug Nymph: Acanthocephala terminalis

Review of Acanthocephala (Hemipter view of Acanthocephala (Hemiptera: Heter a: Heteroptera: Coreidae) of eidae) of America north of Mexico with a key to species

Acanthocephala terminalis



.

Are they physically capable of ingesting the oats?

 
I don't see why not, many tru
I don't see why not, many true bugs are capable of feeding on dry seeds. Some Leptoglossus species, which are also coreids, are seed eaters too

 
Thanks
Nearly forgot Leptoglossus and Lygaeus existed.

 
Oats
Yes, I keep rolled oats and nuts in the cage mainly for the other creatures who share the cage. The oats become powdery as soon as someone munches on them, likely making access easier for other species.
My Acanthocephala spent most of their time on the apple slices, butterfly sponges, Romaine lettuce, and on the leaves of the potted plants I kept inside the cage.

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