#planthopper nymph

[wasp-with-a-computer]

I turned Planthoppers into GIFs

[sitting-on-me-bum]

The tiny unidentified creature’s wild “hairdo” is actually waxy secretions from its abdomen that are thought to be a defense mechanism to distract predators from its more vulnerable parts.

Planthopper nymph

eBaum’s World

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

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.

[critter-creature-or-beast]

This is a...

critter

creature

beast

Voting ended onJun 20, 2024

Submitted for classification by @casperwyomingxer

"Ricaniidae planthopper, possibly Ricania guttata, Hong Kong

Photo by @casperwyomingxer (me)"

[vrgssmncht]

Planthopper nymphs... They're so shaped...

[delyth-thomas-art]

Smaugust 2022 - Planthopper Nymph

This young drake gets about with quick jumps to reach fresh food sources, the iridescence like protrusions from its rear tail is a kind of hydrophobic wax and may act like a way to slow their fall.

[crustaceanfungus]

LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND ON GOOGLE IMAGES THIS IS IMPORTANT

[wormsologist]

Some bugs!