Wax-Tailed Planthopper vs Cotton Harlequin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wax-Tailed Planthopper | Cotton Harlequin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterodictya reticularis | Tectocoris diophthalmus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Dictyopharidae | Scutelleridae |
| Size | 10-15 mm (body, excluding wax filaments) | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Australia, Oceania |
| 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.
Cotton Harlequin Bug
One of Australia's most colourful insects, with a brilliant metallic orange and iridescent blue-black shield-shaped body. The colour pattern varies between individuals, with females being larger and more brightly marked.
Did You Know?
Females guard their eggs and young nymphs, standing over them protectively in a rare display of maternal care for a bug.