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Peanut-head Lantern Bug

Fulgora laternaria

Photo by SG in CR
Published on Project Noah
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11.0009, -85.2768

Field Notes

Description:

Large cicada like bug with a very large "fake head" in front. When startled it flashes it's hind wings as it flies away, displaying two large eye marks.

Habitat:

Was found in a fruiting mango tree at night.

Notes:

I've wanted to see one of these since I found out that they were native to this part of the world. But instead of me finding it, it found me. As I walked past the the mango tree with a LED headlamp, it flew past me swung around and hit me in the face, after which it fell to the ground at my feet.. I picked it up and placed it in a nearby bush and ran to get my camera. It seemed to crawl around getting it's bearings and then make a short flight to a nearby branch when trying to flee, which probably works well in the darkness, but with the headlamp it was pretty easy to follow it once I knew where it was. I'm glad I finally got to get some pictures of it before it flew off, but it nearly gave me a heart attack when it hit me in the face.

Reference Links:

Fulgora laternaria, Peanut-head bug, Fulgora laternaria | Tropical Natural History

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (18)
Leuba Ridgway
Amazing - Looks like an alligator, as well ( in pic 2) ! So good you could get a shot with the wings spread out. Definitely a winner ! thanks for your great notes.
ShannaB
Wow, this whole series is AMAZING. I was not expecting that last shot either, it really 'smacks you in the face'! ; )
SukanyaDatta
OMG! What a click.Congrats....this will surely be a SOTD.
Mark Ridgway
I wasn't ready for that last shot. Fantastic!
Fyn Kynd
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
SG in CR
Thanks for the comments everyone. This was one of those species that I've been hoping to find for a couple years now. I was thinking that I, might find one in some national park or refuge. Instead it found me a few meters from my house. Now I just need to find a harlequin beetle ;-)
Maria dB
Love this spotting of an unusual insect and your description as well!
Ignacio Gamboa
Beautiful, this is one of the most impressive insects we have in Costa Rica. I've been looking for it for about two years, but it continues to elude me. I gotta admit I'm a little jealous.
Dan Doucette
Wicked spotting Sigg. This is a bucket list insect for me as well. Nice story behind it. You just never know what's going to bump into you in the forest.
The MnMs
Wow! Amazing. Love the last picture with its extended wings..beautiful animal!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Mimetic Animals of the World
Mission
The Hoppers
Mission
Insects of Costa Rica
Mission
Life in Costa Rica
Photographed
PublishedJuly 30, 2014

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