Tiny Hopper Nymph?

Gerel · #1 (**permalink**) 21-01-2009, 09:58 AM

Found amongst debris, not on any plant, this little chap was no more than 1mm long but hopped up to 200mm at a go. I am guessing it is the nymph of a planthopper.

Steve

Pudding4brains · #2 (**permalink**) 21-01-2009, 11:11 AM

Hi Steve,

Yes, should be family Delphacidae iirc - putting a name to it might be a bit of a problem though (?) but who knows - there are some fine & knowledgeable folk around here

Bruce Williams · #3 (**permalink**) 21-01-2009, 04:50 PM

Excellent pics of such a tiny animal Steve.

Wow, jumping 200X it's body length is pretty impressive as it doesn't appear to possess specialised jumping legs like adult leafhoppers (for example) or any sort of specially developed process like the springtails - wonder where the power comes from?

Bruce

Acutipuerilis · #4 (**permalink**) 21-01-2009, 06:19 PM

Yep, it's definitely a planthopper, and I'm sure it's Delphacidae (one or two other options, but I think I can rule them out...). This is an enormously diverse group, though, and very hard to ID even the adults; from the keys many are only separable from males, examining the genitalia. From a nymph..? Bit of a tough one!

There are loads that overwinter as nymphs, unfortunately, and many do seem to live among detritus in grassy places as much as on the grass itself. Worth going back in the spring!

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 21-01-2009, 08:32 PM

Here's Mine:

I agree wholeheartedly with Delphacidae. I thought they were wild fleas at first... then a WAB'er ID'd it for me

Gerel · #6 (**permalink**) 22-01-2009, 08:23 AM

Thanks everybody,

I'll be keeping a eye open as the weather gets warmer to see if there are any adults about.

I know what you mean about the jumping ability Bruce, the hopper was in the middle of a 3 inch deep plastic box, posed for a few shots and then just jumped straight out and vanished. The legs just don't look that powerful

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green