Planthopper

Photo credit: David Reed

These are not clumps of fiber optic LED cables protruding from the insect above, just wax from special glands on the abdominal terga of a planthopper nymph. These are hydrophobic and help conceal the insects. Adult females of many families also produce wax which may be used to protect eggs. Continue reading for a video, another picture and more information.

Planthopper Nymph

Planthopper nymphs also possess a biological gear mechanism at the base of the hind legs, which keeps the legs in synchrony when the insects jump; the gears are not present in the adults, and were known for decades before the function of the gears was only recently discovered.

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