Flatid Planthopper - Nymph

Nymphs of many flatids secrete a filamentous wax from the time they hatch. The filaments are extruded from glandular tissue at the tip of the abdomen, and provide protection from predators and prevent desiccation. Nymphs of the planthopper Ormenaria rufifascia create effective barriers to ants and larva of Coccinellid beetles by wiping their wax onto the plants they inhabit; predators which come in contact with the wax are contaminated topically, and consequently compelled to engage in extensive preening to rid themselves of the substance. Meanwhile, adults and nymphs escape by leaping away.