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Phromnia sp., Flatidae, Hemiptera
Although this image is of an individual (they certainly take short forays out into the world away from their siblings), this species remains as a tight group numbering in the hundreds throughout their development. I encountered these guys in the same tree this time last year and if we were so-inclined to investigate, I’m sure we would find they share a common ancestry.
The waxy filaments on the hind end of Flatid plant hoppers serves several purposes. It is hydrophobic and help conceal the insect’s body. They can be raised and lowered and fanned out and in my observation are used as a challenge or a means of communication between individuals when they encounter each other away from the group. Probably most importantly though, they are detachable, so if a hungry predator makes a grab for the nymph, they end up with a claw or mouthful of wax, allowing the nymph to escape.
Spotted on Jan 2, 2013
Submitted on Mar 4, 2013
1 Comment
WOW!!!! Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!