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Flatid Planthoppers 50D0005887

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Description

Flatid Planthoppers (genus Anormenis), in the Boyce Park, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Insects in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha within the Hemiptera order are commonly called planthoppers. Distributed worldwide, all members of this group are plant-feeders. The infraorder contains only a single superfamily, Fulgoroidea. Fulgoroids are most reliably distinguished from the other members of the classical "Homoptera" by two features; the bifurcate ("Y"-shaped) anal vein in the forewing, and the thickened, three-segmented antennae, with a generally round or egg-shaped second segment (pedicel) that bears a fine filamentous arista.

Nymphs of many Flatids secrete a filamentous wax from the time they hatch. The filaments are extruded from glandular tissue at the tip of the abdomen, and may provide protection from predators and prevent desiccation. Nymphs of the planthopper Ormenaria rufifascia create effective barriers to ants and larva of Coccinellid beetles by wiping their wax onto the plants they inhabit; predators which come in contact with the wax are contaminated, and consequently compelled to engage in extensive preening to rid themselves of the substance. Meanwhile, adults and nymphs escape by leaping away.

When hopping, Flatid planthoppers make use of spines on their hind legs to provide purchase necessary for takeoff. The spines on the tibiae are one characteristic of the Flatidae. Planthoppers expend considerable energy in the leaps. Even a medium sized nymph (<5mm) can jump a distance of 30 centimeters or more. The waxy coating also protects the insects from being caught in spider webs or puddles; they don't stick to spider webs and they float quite well and can swim to safety.

More info: [link] , [link]

Featured by the talented =AbsoluteVacuum :iconabsolutevacuum: in her journal "AbsoluteVacuum's Features 7": [link] .

Featured by the talented Ashley Christine :iconmutilatedaudio: in her journal "Rising Stars + Contest Winner Features": [link] .

Featured by the talented Priyantha :iconfarcry77: in his journal "I want to show you what I saw # 73": [link] .
Image size
3030x3939px 2.48 MB
Make
Canon
Model
Canon EOS 50D
Shutter Speed
1/332 second
Aperture
F/10.0
Focal Length
100 mm
ISO Speed
250
Date Taken
Jul 26, 2009, 1:39:29 PM
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