West African Lantern Bug vs Treehopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | West African Lantern Bug | Treehopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zanna tenebrosa | Cladonota benitezi |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Fulgoridae | Membracidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm including head process | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Mountains |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Nigeria) | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
West African Lantern Bug
A large planthopper with an elongated head process and colorful wings. The forewings are cryptically patterned while the hindwings display bright colors when spread. Despite its name, it does not produce light.
Did You Know?
The enlarged head process was once thought to glow in the dark, giving this group its misleading common name of lantern bugs.
Treehopper
A bizarre treehopper with an elaborate pronotal helmet covered in ball-like projections.
Did You Know?
Its pronotal sculpture may mimic a parasitic fungus to deter predators.