Wax-Tailed Planthopper vs Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wax-Tailed Planthopper | Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterodictya reticularis | Lema trivittata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Dictyopharidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm (body, excluding wax filaments) | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Wax-Tailed Planthopper
A Neotropical planthopper that produces long waxy tail filaments from its abdomen. These white wax strands may confuse predators or mimic fungal hyphae.
Did You Know?
Its wax tail filaments can be several times its body length and break off easily if grabbed by a predator.
Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle
A small, elongated beetle with an orange-yellow body and three dark longitudinal stripes on the elytra. It feeds on tomatillo and ground cherry in the western United States.
Did You Know?
Like other Lema species, the larvae cover themselves in their own frass, which may serve both as camouflage and as a deterrent to parasitoids.