Columbian Flower Planthopper vs Ground Pearl

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Columbian Flower Planthopper Ground Pearl
Scientific Name Poekilloptera phalaenoides Margarodes vitis
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Flatidae Margarodidae
Size 15-20 mm 2-4 mm cyst
Habitat Farmland Caves
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Central America, South America Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Columbian Flower Planthopper

A large and spectacular flatid with broad white wings marked with black spots, closely resembling a moth. Groups of nymphs produce masses of white waxy filaments on branches.

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Did You Know?

Clusters of waxy-coated nymphs on a branch can look like a fungal growth or cotton mass, providing effective communal camouflage.

Ground Pearl

A subterranean scale insect whose encysted nymphs resemble tiny golden pearls.

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Did You Know?

The pearl-like cysts have been used as beads in jewelry since ancient times.