Exceptional Bugs

 

A mature aphid with entirely membranous wings

Most insects within the order Bugs (Hemiptera) are considered True Bugs because their forewings are partly thick and protective, partly membranous. A few bug families are exceptional: their wings are entirely membranous. The exceptions that you might encounter at Halibut Point are aphids, cicadas, whiteflies, and various hoppers. 

FROGHOPPERS

Aphid nymphs beside a hidden spittlebug nymph

Froghopper nymphs create a frothy mass around their bodies to keep from drying out and to shield themselves from predators.

A spittlebug nymph Aphrophoridae uncharacteristically uncovered

Spittlebugs are juvenile Froghoppers. The adult name derives in part from their jumping ability, which in some species exceeds 20 inches vertically and 100 times their own body length, a more impressive performance relative to body weight than fleas (Wikipedia). When they jump, they have the highest moving speed in the insect world making them difficult targets for predators.

Red-legged Spittlebug, Prosapia ignipectus

Most Froghoppers have a broad body about 1/8 to 1/4-inch long with faces that resemble frogs. The Red-legged Spittlebug is an exception to the usual dull-colored family coloration.

LEAFHOPPERS

Graphocephala gothica

Leafhoppers have one or more rows of small spines along the length of the hind tibia while froghoppers have but a few stout spines. Both have among the most aerodynamic-shaped bodies in the insect world. 

Red-banded Leafhopper, Graphocephala coccinea

Leafhoppers are often slender (torpedo-like) and rarely exceed 1/4 inch in length. 

PLANTHOPPERS 

Other families of jumpers in the bug order hemiptera are not such remarkable leapers but are able to mimic parts of their host plants with protective shapes and coloration.

Acanaloniid Planthopper, Acanalonia conica

Two-striped Planthopper, Acanalonia bivittata

HORNED TREEHOPPERS 

Members of the Treehopper family have an enlarged shield extending back over the abdomen between wings, giving them a bizarre looking body shape. In some species it extends forward into a horn to resemble a thorn on their host plant.

Wide-footed Treehopper, Campylenchia latipes

Buffalo Treehopper, Ceresini tribe