#scolypopa

[herpsandbirds]

Passionvine Hopper (Scolypopa australis), family Ricaniidae, found in Australia

photograph by Jamie Hall

[drhoz]

#2208 - Scolypopa australis - Passionvine Hopper

The nymphs are also called fluffybums.

Ricaniid planthoppers native to Australia, where they're a minor pest, but introduced to New Zealand, where they're a much bigger problem.

Sapsuckers on many plants, and producers of honeydew. That can be a major problem, on top of the damage they do to crops, and the plant diseases they spread, if the plant is Tutu (Coriaria arborea). Honey derived from that honeydew can contain dangerous levels of the poison tutin, and has been the cause of multiple honey poisonings in NZ over the years.

Katikati Bird Gardens, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

[mossylemon]

Passionvine Hopper

[Scolypopa Australis]