Giant Leaf-footed Bug
Acanthocephala granulosa
Photo contributed by Jim Blaugh. Taken Oct. 17, 2004 near Agua Fria River and Bloody Basin, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA.
Coreidae -- Leaf-footed Bug Family
These large, intimidating bugs are mostly harmless although they can spew some pretty noxious odorants. They are true "BUGS" because they possess piercing-sucking mouthparts that they insert into plant tissues, especially developing fruits, to extract liquified food. This species is common in Upper Sonoran Scrub and is found on a variety of plants such as mesquite.
More Information:
- Bugguide.net Univ. of Iowa
- Cooperative Extension - Univ. of Arizona
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search
- Book Reference: Insects of the Southwest by Floyd Werner (who was one of my profs at U.A.)and Carl Olson available at Abe Books.