Scolypopa australis
Species of true bug / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scolypopa australis, commonly known as the passionvine hopper, is a species of insect in the Ricaniidae family of planthoppers (Fulgoroidea) that is native to Australia and was introduced to New Zealand.[1][2] Despite its name, they are found not only on passion vines, but on many plant species, including kiwifruit and the lantana.[3][4] Brown with partly transparent wings, they are 5–6 mm long as adults and 5 mm as nymphs.[5] As an adult they look somewhat like a moth to the untrained eye, and walk "like a ballerina".[6] The nymphs are wingless and are informally known as fluffy bums.[6] When sufficiently aroused they will hop off their plant "with a 'snap'".[6] Like all planthoppers they suck plant sap. This leaves a honeydew secretion which bees gather.
Scolypopa australis | |
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An adult and two nymphs | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hemiptera |
Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
Infraorder: | Fulgoromorpha |
Family: | Ricaniidae |
Genus: | Scolypopa |
Species: | S. australis |
Binomial name | |
Scolypopa australis | |