Torpedo Bug (Siphanta acuta)

Photo by CindyBinghamKeiser

Published on Project Noah

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Field Notes

Description:

Green insect that resembles a leaf with its triangular shape and coloring. It has light blue/green spots over the entire body and heave veining. Edges of wings have red dots. Legs and "nose" are green but turn red toward the end/tip. Possible mite infestation on this bug. The first image shows something under its wings. The fifth image shows something on the outside of the wings.

Habitat:

Unknown sapling in backyard near citrus orchard.

Notes:

These are native to Australia and not very common in California. It is a type of Flatid Planthopper. "'TORPEDO BUG' refers to the great leaping ability of nymphs; mature nymphs can leap as far as 60 cm (about 2 feet)" - BugGuide
Aka: Green Planthopper

Reference Links:

Siphanta acuta, Species Siphanta acuta - Torpedo Bug - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (19)

MartinL

I've got your link now. This image is consistent with the impression that Ian's spotting is another species.

CindyBinghamKeiser

Thanks Dan. I hope to see more someday :)

Dan Doucette

Sorry for the delayed response Cindy but I think the planthoppers I saw originate from N. America.

CindyBinghamKeiser

Make that second to last image :-)

CindyBinghamKeiser

That's a definite possibility! The last image shows some tiny insects in the outside of its wings. Thank you!

textless

That shadow is interesting... It doesn't seem to connect to the tail area, so I wonder if it could be a tinier critter (like a mite) going for a ride, like this: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7219507 Or maybe a piece of dirt or debris? I've never seen a planthopper backlit like that. :)

CindyBinghamKeiser

Thanks textless! I'm curious what's making the odd shadow on the planthopper in the wing area. Any ideas?

textless

What a cute hopper - great photos!

CindyBinghamKeiser

I think so too, chebeagueschool and Longmustache!

windmustache

Lovely shape!

chebeagueschool

Awesome bug!

CindyBinghamKeiser

They are similar, Dan. Do yours originate from N.A. or are they also from Australia?