Two bugs presented themselves for observation today, a Leafhopper and Rainbow Scarab.
A half dozen Leafhoppers (Cuerna striata) were hanging out at the Side-cluster Milkweed (Asclepias oentheroides). Leafhoppers are group of sap-sucking hoppers. However most are not pests to crops.
The Leafhoppers were just standing around. However, this one was doing something weird. At least to me LOL. So my question to myself was it washing its “hands”? Of course, this required an internet search naturally. Here is what I found. “Unique among insects, leafhoppers excrete a substance containing microscopically small, waxlike granules called brochosomes. Using the comblike rows of spines on their hind legs, leafhoppers rub this material over their bodies (scientists call this behavior “anointing”). Functionally, it is about the same as waxing a car: it protects the outer cuticle of the insect from water and from the sugary excretions from fellow sap-drinking insects.” Missouri Department of Conservation In this particular case I don’t know why it tosses it aside. So maybe there were eggs? Or the granule was just used up? Nevertheless, definitely interesting!
Next is the Rainbow Scarab! Indeed, this poor thing was determined to be on its back. In fact, I tried several to put it upright. However, each time it flipped back. Additionally, right next to it was a nice pile of poo So I wondered if it has been infected? Or had it been parasitized to cause this behavior? Ideas anyone?
That leafhopper sure is acting strange. And poor beetle. Wonder if it was poisoned somehow.
The anointing is a good name for it. Neat! I didn’t know about it