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Black & Red Froghopper

Discussion

6 replies
Posted by Des Ong on May 18, 2008 at 3:52 PM
It's been a while since I last picked up the camera, just about remember where the shutter button was.

Went down the local pond this afternoon and came across a few of these. Neven seen them before. After some research, managed to work out that it is a Cercopis vulnerata.

Still can't find a lot of info about this insect. Does anyone know why it keeps expelling fluid from the rear? Is it a defence mechanism? It did this every 5 seconds or so but made no attempt to 'escape'.

Thanks for looking.

Des

D80
150mm macro
ISO400
1/100s
f/11
Posted by Phillip Tomkinson on May 19, 2008 at 4:12 AM
Hi a cool image.

Phil.



:toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Greg Hitchcock on May 19, 2008 at 4:46 AM
Nice image Des.

The fluid being expelled from the rear is honeydew - like aphids (they're in the same Order of insects), these guys suck sap from plants.

Greg
Posted by Paul Inglis on May 19, 2008 at 8:23 AM
Hi Des,

Lovely shot!
:toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Alan Woolnough on May 19, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Nice one Des,

Shows the back detail nicely, and a fine bonus, with the fluid being expelled :toast:

Alan
Posted by eric weight on May 19, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Very nice shot Des.
:toast: :toast: Eric
Posted by Magnus Hird on May 21, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Interesting, never seen one of these before either. Good shot with the fluid :smile: