Vegetable Caterpillar vs Treble-bar Planthopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vegetable Caterpillar | Treble-bar Planthopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ophiocordyceps robertsii | Issus coleoptratus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Issidae |
| Size | 50-100 mm (caterpillar plus fungal stalk) | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vegetable Caterpillar
The host of this relationship is the caterpillar of the native moth Aenetus virescens, parasitized by the endemic Cordyceps fungus. The fungus invades and mummifies the caterpillar underground, then sends a fruiting body to the surface. It was known to Maori as awhato.
Did You Know?
Maori prized the vegetable caterpillar as a pigment source, grinding the fungus-caterpillar combination to produce a blue-black tattoo ink.
Treble-bar Planthopper
A stout brown planthopper found on ivy and other climbing plants in Europe. Its nymphs possess interlocking leg gears for synchronized jumping.
Did You Know?
Its nymphs are the first organisms discovered to use mechanical gear teeth for locomotion.