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Project Noah Nature School
Eurymeloides marmorata
A tiny brown hopper about 8mm long with black and white patterns on the back. the prominent eyes showed black markings. Abdomen was a peach colour.
Spotted on a swamp gum tree ( Eucalyptus ovata)
This was an exciting find for me ! This little hopper was on his own -probably the first one out this spring. He was a different colour to the other eurymelids spotted around these parts last year. These hoppers produce microscopic granules called "Brochosomes" that protect them from parasites and water. For some interesting reading have a look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brochosome and for more on Eurymelids - http://www1.dpi.nsw.gov.au/keys/leafhop/... Thanks to lori.tas for bringing this information to our attention.
Spotted on Sep 3, 2012
Submitted on Sep 3, 2012
4 Comments
Lori, you are so right - they are so interesting. I just can't believe that I must have walked passed hundreds of them without a glance, until last year. Now I must seem strange to others always inspecting gum trees closely for these and other equally fascinating creatures. Their weirdly placed eyes make me smile everytime - I can't wait to see more this season !
We're hopping with hoppers at the moment (sorry, couldn't help myself). ; ) I love seeing all of their different shape and patterns. Such a fascinating group of insects.
Weird eyes. Love these things.
Lovely !