Thorn Bug vs Peanut-Head Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thorn Bug Peanut-Head Bug
Scientific Name Umbonia crassicornis Fulgora laternaria
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Membracidae Fulgoridae
Size 10-12 mm 80-100 mm with head projection
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Central America, South America, North America Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Thorn Bug

Extraordinary treehopper with a thorn-shaped pronotum that makes it look exactly like a plant thorn when sitting on a branch. Mothers guard eggs and nymphs aggressively.

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Did You Know?

Treehoppers have evolved the most bizarre body shapes of any insect — their enlarged pronotum can mimic thorns, helicopter blades, antlers, and even ant-like forms.

Peanut-Head Bug

A large planthopper with a bizarre inflated head capsule resembling a peanut or an alligator. When threatened, it flashes large eyespots on its hindwings.

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Did You Know?

Local folklore claims its bite is fatal and must be cured by romantic relations within 24 hours, though it is actually harmless.