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Conica Planthopper (nymph) - Acanalonia conica

I was reminded of these pictures for two reasons: last week's Publilia Treehopper images from High Park, and from a dear friend asking for identification of some nymphs that a friend found. Using these images as a reference, I went back to conclusively identify them and then share them here. When it came to these nymphs, there was a back and forth to identify them as Two-Striped Planthopper nymphs, but the conica specie seems likely the more likely insect. At this insect's current stage of development, the configuration of its body's plates is a better match with those of the Conica Planthopper, rather than its two-striped cousin. Without visible green coloration on its shell to be sure, this is the best identification for what can be relied on from a picture. While many small hopping insects are found in their adulthoods with perfect forms and rounded shaping, it's worth remembering that their incomplete metamorphosis can give them all funny appearances when young. Take today's find: a prominent humped back, big eyes, and little tufts of waxy fuzz at the end of the abdomen. Compared to its adult form - a beautifully green and leaf-like insect complete with veined wings and a coned head - the differences are substantial! Despite its youth, nymphs like these can still suddenly jump to navigate remarkable distances when they need to. As well, the waxy tufts emerging from their rear may help them survive by functioning similarly to the tails of Swallowtail Butterflies. In essence, there may prove useful when it comes to predator avoidance and escape.

Pictures were taken on July 24, 2019 with a Samsung Galaxy S4.

Conica Planthopper - Acanalonia conica

It’s been quite awhile since this cryptic insect was featured on this blog, and those images weren’t exactly as ideal as they could’ve been. Today, this post revisits this green, leaf-shaped insect to better showcase it under more ideal conditions and talk more about its behavior and habits as it hops around its green environment. At least, green is what it would prefer since the adults can make use of their green, leafy-veined wings to mimic a small leaf to remain hidden from prying eyes. While difficult to determine, this Planthopper also has the potential to masquerade itself as a part of a plant’s seedpod if there is a resemblance, or if it can remain still. Against brickwork though, it is highly, even dangerously conspicuous! This particular adult individual was drawn to the porchlights in the early stages of nightfall as many insects tend to do. It certainly can’t blend into the vine on the bricks, but it can hop away when it senses danger and presumably land in a safer location where it will keep still.

While the green wings and body may be the most prominent features of the adult insect, take a closer look at the head and wing-base to differentiate it from similar looking insects (of which there are quite a few, but not too many in Ontario): The pointed “conical” head of this insect is easy enough to spot, but a detail most missed are the 2 small black spots (1 on each side of the wing base, 1 shown in each picture) near the wing-base! Look for these when identifying this insect. The eye color may be variable as well with some individuals showcasing saturated red eyes, while examples such as this one have paler-colored eyes. They aren’t too picky where they rest and feed, so you’re likely to find a few if you look carefully. Look even closer, you may even by lucky enough to find a Planthopper nymph! The nymphs look rather strange compared to the adults given their “humped” back and the waxy tufts of fuzz emerging from their abdomen. They’re still growing and shedding, so this “odd” appearance is simply just a feature of their metamorphosis. Compared to the adult specimens, the nymphs are much trickier to identify successfully (for example, the nymph showcased here also has a chance to be the offspring of the Two-Striped Planthopper), but Conica Hoppers have a high chance - especially as they mature - to sport mottled green on their shell. If you see the green color and the shape matches, you’ll know for certain. Happy searching for these little backyard aliens.

Pictures were taken on July 21, 2020 (nymph) and August 24, 2020 (adult) with a Google Pixel 4.

Conica Planthopper - Acanalonia conica

These two pictures are from my early days of insect photography, hence my issues with maintaining camera focus. It may look unusual at first glance, but this insect is in fact close relative to the Cicada. Specifically, they belong to the same suborder (Auchenorrhyncha), which are mostly plant-feeders with wings that do not fold over themselves. This particular individual is a Planthopper, and true to its name, it would be well hidden among plants due to its green coloring, slow movements and the leafy texturing along its wings from its veins. While sometimes difficult to identify successfully (with certainty), the shape of this insect’s head makes me think that it’s a Conica species. If you think that it may be a different specie however, please let me know, with a source if necessary. Nevertheless, that pointed head is fairly distinctive, making me hopeful that the identification is accurate. With such an appearance, it is able to conceal itself upon all manner of verdant plants while it feeds... so why this Hopper is active on the side of the house is beyond me. It’s substantially exposed upon the brickwork and wooden steps! However, as the second half of this insect’s name suggests, it does have a second talent as well: when disturbed or danger draws near, it can hop and/or fly away to safety. It will also employ this strategy when a camera approaches too.

Pictures were taken on October 11, 2015 with a Samsung Galaxy S4.