Cute planthopper nymph

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2010, 10:13 AM

Stony Stratford, Bucks on fence below broadleaf trees and close to large pond. 5th March.

Size: less than 2mm (see scale bar on pic2). Much broader (see dorsal shot) than you'd imagine from the profile shot...

I'm not really expecting an id for this one (be nice though

), however I thought some of you might be interested in taking a look:

Bruce

Acutipuerilis · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2010, 10:27 AM

Probably Javesella pellucida.

But I'm not putting a bit wager on it not being J. dubia.

Bruce Williams · #3 (**permalink**) 06-03-2010, 07:29 PM

Thanks Joe.

I must say I was mighty impressed that you were able to come up with a suggested id. As you'd expect I then did a bit of Googling and browsing round my favourite websites and to my surprise on the British Bugs website I came across a photo (of a very similar nymph) that I suspect might be one of yours - am I right?

Bruce

Acutipuerilis · #4 (**permalink**) 06-03-2010, 08:05 PM

Now you mention it, Bruce, it does seem to have my name underneath it...

These nymphs are incredibly abundant in rough grassland over winter/spring, although often have to dig around in the roots to find them. It's probably the most abundant UK planthopper, so it's only to be expected.