And now... leafhopper dissection!

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

The latest subject of my microscopic affections is a dead leafhopper I found, having drowned in a small body of water. Initially thinking it was a psyllid, it was only when I got it under my Apex that I realised it was in fact a Cicadellid - quite handy I thought, as I hadn't had the chance to see one under it yet! I then removed the left outer-wing (...under 20x of course), which was fairly challenging. I managed it, however...

Left wing, as seen from my Apex microscope... c.2.8-3.0mm long

Unforunately I can't seem to find any venation, and so I hope the markings are clear enough? It's just that with it having been dead for a little while the markings on the wings in general are a little faded. Is it Ribautiana tenerrima?

I also plan on removing the left rear leg. While I'm on the subject, what are the two upward-pointing black prongs that become visible on the tip of the abdomen when the wings are lifted/removed?

Thanks for reading!

Take care,

Jason

[Hedera]

Hi Jason. Would it be anything to do with the production of honeydew? Some leafhoppers do this, and aphids have protusions also.

[Bruce Williams]

Hi Jason,

Check out this posting of mine showing the honeydew flicking mechanism on the Rhododendron Leafhopper (on Photomacrgraphy Forum): www.photomacrography.net :: View topic - Leaf Hopper: So that's why they're called sharpshooters

You might also be interested in this old YouTube video of mine: YouTube - Rhododendron Leaf Hopper - squirting

Bruce

[Jason Green]

Ah... honeydew extraction! Never thought of that!

Thanks both.

[Acutipuerilis]

Certainly a Ribautiana, Jason, but it's hard to say more from just the wing. If it was tenerrima, though, there should be a clear pale line running diagonally across the basal half, which I don't see.

In general, dissection should be used to reveal features that you can't see with the animal left intact - i.e. internal anatomy. I don't think you gain anything useful by taking the wing off, for example, because you need as many features as possible in combination...

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Acutipuerilis

Certainly a Ribautiana, Jason, but it's hard to say more from just the wing. If it was tenerrima, though, there should be a clear pale line running diagonally across the basal half, which I don't see.

In general, dissection should be used to reveal features that you can't see with the animal left intact - i.e. internal anatomy. I don't think you gain anything useful by taking the wing off, for example, because you need as many features as possible in combination...

A good point! However, as far as this example goes it was pretty damaged by the water and exposure so I couldn't see the wing colour without removing it, and placing it on a higher-contrasting surface to pick out finer details.

[Acutipuerilis]

Aha... in that case the technique involves getting yourself a beter specimen!

Just been dissecting psyllids and leafhoppers (inclding a Ribautiana) last night - it actually worked every time, which is a first for me! I'll try to get a photo for you tonight.

[Jason Green]

Funnily enough, I was just thinking of asking if there's any sort of photographic step-by-step guide anywhere!!

[Acutipuerilis]

Here you go... dissected leafhopper Ribautiana debilis:


The aedegus is the vital bit.

[Jason Green]

Interesting, thanks. So, where did you get the aedegus from - I take it that's genetalia? Oh, and how did you identify that, is there a book somewhere?