Leafhopper

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leafhopper, planthopper, moth bug
A leafhopper found in the rainforest.

The leafhoppers are widely distributed around the world, inhabiting temperate as well as tropical region. Those living in Southeast Asia rainforest are easily recognizable because of their vibrant colors, distinctive body shape and behavior. In other parts of the world, these hemipterans are also called moth bug, due to their moth-like triangular wings.

planthopper, leafhopper, sap feeder, sucking mouthparts
A leafhopper extracting sap from a plant.

These insects are specialized sap feeders. Using their sucking mouthparts, they puncture a hole through the outer layer of plants before drinking the sap. Some species are regarded as pest because they might transfer virus during feeding. Most of them, however, are harmless creatures and make a fascinating subject for nature photography.

flatids, Flatidae, planthopper, leafhopper, planthopper nymph, insect nymphs, wax
A leafhopper nymph.

The nymphs, the immature individuals in earlier stage of life, are unusually different from the colorful adults. Their body are fully covered with white fluffy wax which scientists believed help deter predators. Also, it is not uncommon find the nymphs feeding gregariously in some shrubs, in contrast to the solitary adults.

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