Cactus Bug

According to an article in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America ([HYPERLINK@academic.oup.com]): N.femorata is a cactus-feeding leaf-footed bug that occurs from California east to Texas, south to Costa Rica, and now is established in central Florida.

Although it has been reported from several genii of cacti, including Opuntia (prickly pear), Ferocactus (barrel cactus), Cylindropuntia (cholla), and Cereus, [actual feeding records only include a quite limited range of Opuntia and Cereus species].

Nymphs and adults feed on the reproductive structures (flowers and fruits) and, to a lesser extent, on the pads of prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.). Although n... read moreot known to cause extensive feeding damage, this bug may be an important pest of Opuntia where the fruits are used for human consumption such as in Mexico.

A personal note: a much greater problem for many species of Opuntia is the cochineal fly, which in its larval form can decimate the pads of a cactus.