Horned Leafhopper - something a bit different

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

This is only the second time I've seen this species and this one was quite a different colour to the one I photographed in October 2008. This latest individual had a colour VERY similar to nearby lichen and was very difficult to spot as it had flattened itself to the fence rail and looked more lichen than insect.

I think these pics (and the 2008 pics) show a nymph form - would appreciate confirmation and any info on instar or gender if possible. The first four pics were taken yesterday (Sat 11th Dec.) and the last two pics in Oct 2008:









October 2008 pics.


Bruce

[Farplace]

What an amazing little beastie. I don't think I have ever seen one before. Are they found all over the UK? What's the best habitat to look for them?

[tristanba]

Hi Bruce,

Yes, it is certainly a nymph of Ledra aurita - not sure if they can be sexed until adult. As far as I understand, Ledra takes two years to develop, spending the winter as a mid-late instar nymph.

The UK distribution is mainly centred on southern and central England and the species is usually associated with lichen-covered oaks. They are however very hard to find as they are extremely cryptic! Males are sometimes attracted to moth traps.

Coincidentally, the new Auchenorrhyncha Recording Scheme website will soon be live at LEDRA

All the best
Tristan

[Bruce Williams]

Farplace - Yes it's surprisingly large too for a leafhopper nymph. I'll work out its size (from D300 sensor size) and post it in this thread later today.

Tristan - Thanks for confirmation of id. and for the extra information.

Bruce

[Bruce Williams]

Length of this specimen is 8.5mm - so considerably smaller than the adult form.

Bruce