Homoptera are similar to the Hemiptera true bugs. In addition to differences in the origin of their sucking mouthparts, Homoptera have a uniformly thickened forewings that overlap slightly at the tips. Homoptera groups include cicadas, leaf hoppers, whiteflies, aphids and scale insects.

The Fulgorid family of planthoppers is characterized by some bizarre features including wavy filamentous tails and elaborate head protuberances. Probably the most famous fulgorid is the Lantern Bug of the tropics. Although its sizable head protuberance produces no light as the name suggests, the Amazonian Indians believe the insect to be everything from deadly poisonous to a potent aphrodisiac. In reality, the fulgorids are avid plant juice suckers and lack the fanciful qualities man has invented for them.

Planthopper Photos & Pictures

Homoptera are similar to the Hemiptera true bugs. In addition to differences in the origin of their sucking mouthparts, Homoptera have a uniformly thickened forewings that overlap slightly at the tips. Homoptera groups include cicadas, leaf hoppers, whiteflies, aphids and scale insects.

These two long legged formic acid ant are harvesting a sweet meal from a herd of accommodating mealy bugs on a sisal plant (Agave sisalana) on Kauai. Mealybugs are cryptic insects covered with a white waxy powder. They feed in groups by puncturing the leaves and sucking out a meal of plant juice. After dining they secrete a sweet substance called honeydew that the ant are attracted to. Males have a single pair of wings and fly to diverse their populations. Mealybugs are topical insects and feed on a variety of tropical plants such as ginger and heleconia. Ants facilitate spreading the mealybug populations to new plants, which in sufficient numbers, can weaken the plants.

Short-Horned Grasshopper Photos & Pictures

Homoptera are similar to the Hemiptera true bugs. In addition to differences in the origin of their sucking mouthparts, Homoptera have a uniformly thickened forewings that overlap slightly at the tips. Homoptera groups include cicadas, leaf hoppers, whiteflies, aphids and scale insects.

Tropical Fulgorids account for some of the largest planthoppers. This Indonesian species displayed bold and conspicuous behavior on the exposed tree trunk. Once they determine you have violated their comfort zone they make a speedy retreat by scuttling to the opposite side of the trunk. This behavior can be witnessed in the smaller planthoppers although their retreat usually amounts to hiding on the other side of small twigs or stems. This specimen shows off a gorgeous pair of bright red compound eyes and demonstrates an erect and alert stance.

Lantern Bug Photos & Pictures

Homoptera are similar to the Hemiptera true bugs. In addition to differences in the origin of their sucking mouthparts, Homoptera have a uniformly thickened forewings that overlap slightly at the tips. Homoptera groups include cicadas, leaf hoppers, whiteflies, aphids and scale insects.

With an exclusive diet of plant juices, leafhoppers produce a sweet byproduct known as honeydew. This substance often inspires mutually beneficial relationships with ants where honeydew is traded for a little ant protection. Some species of leafhoppers are pests of cotton and wine plantations and damage their plant hosts with a digestive liquid they inject in order to dissolve chlorophyll. They are elusive insects capable of impressive jumping and flight if needed.

Leafhopper Photos & Pictures

Homoptera are similar to the Hemiptera true bugs. In addition to differences in the origin of their sucking mouthparts, Homoptera have a uniformly thickened forewings that overlap slightly at the tips. Homoptera groups include cicadas, leaf hoppers, whiteflies, aphids and scale insects.

Cicada own the reputation of being the loudest animal in the world. Producing a loud whining sound with two tymbal structure that is greatly amplified with air-filled resonating chambers, the cicada is also a proficient ventriloquist, making it hard to locate the actual source of the noise. The ancient Greek revered this insect and the Chinese made jade cicada amulets. These amulets were placed under the tongue of the deceased to induce resurrection. This symbolism comes from an observance of immature cicada emerging fresh from their molded skins.

Cicada Photos & Pictures