Strange looking insect ID help

[GrayB]

Hi everyone,
I found this today but i'm really struggling with the ID, the more i look at it the stranger it looks.
I at first thought it was some sort of leafhopper but it's rapid movement ended that thought, so any help would be great.
It was around 6mm long and found running rapidly around an old log.
Thanks.
Gray.

[Jason Green]

Hi Grey,

It's a barkfly nymph, very similar to one Bruce posted recently! No idea about species, keep an eye out and look for a winged adult

[GrayB]

Thanks Jason
This site is so active it's very easy to miss certain posts as i seem to of with the post by Bruce.
I've got to say i was amazed that this strange but stunning looking insect was a Barkfly nymph, although, the fact that it was running round an old log should really of told me something
Thanks again.
Gray.

[Jason Green]

Pleasure, and his post with a similar species is Composition vs Focus

[squishy]

odd things aren't they?

[Bruce Williams]

Very nice shot Gray - and I can vouch for their rapid movement too. In fact they can be blisteringly fast on a smooth wood surface.

I've seen hundreds of these and photographed well over a hundred different individuals and I've yet to find a nymph much over 4mm - of course it's possible that yours might be a different and larger species.

I've noticed that where there's one there are usually others about - but they are very well camouflaged and tend to keep still until disturbed.

In addition to the form you have photographed there is a later instar with well developed wing buds - I have a pic of one if you're interested in seeing what they look like. There is also of course the adult (fully winged) form. I see a lot of these too and they are generally easier to photograph because they move much more slowly and seem reluctant to fly.

Bruce

[GrayB]

Adam,they are odd but amazing to look at aswell.
Bruce,i actually tried for a good 5 minutes to try and get a better shot of him and he just wouldn't have it the speed of these nymphs is amazing and in yesterdays heat 5 minutes was enough for me
I'd love to see a pic of a later instar, if i come across one i'd at least know what i'm looking at for a change.
Thanks all.
Gray.

[Bruce Williams]

I haven't come across as many of this form so perhaps it's only the last instar that has the long wing buds before it takes the imago form:



Bruce

[GrayB]

Bruce,
Thanks for that, now i've seen one it may become a little easier to ID the next time i come across one ( i said may ). And great detail on this tiny fella aswell.
Gray.