It is often found hugging onto tree trunks, and very frequently mistaken to be a cicada. This plant hopper is about the same size as a cicada, but usually sports much richer colours. As usual, when everyone spotted this beauty, cicada was the first name that comes to mind. Check out the pictures and see if you can spot the differences. 🙂

#1 The real Cicada, freshly emerged from a molt. From Nocturnal Creatures of Mandai

#2 And this is how the molt looks like

And now, for the plant hopper! I used to call it the Derbid Planthopper, but I’m not too sure now as I’ve also been calling another bug a Derbid Planthopper. Maybe same, maybe not. Am confused!

#4 Top view, it keeps its wings open when at rest.

#5 Close up side view

#6 Top view of another plant hopper

#7 Side view of the beauty, where the rich colours can be seen

And here are some other subjects from this short trip!

#8 I can create waves!!

#9 Just to show the web of the orb weaver

#10 The usual Robberfly. Always found on the same branch!

#11 Long Horned Beetle. It flew away before I could take more shots. 🙁

#12 Looks like the Common Posy (Drupadia ravindra moorei) Completely oblivious to the ants crawling around it. More information from the Butterfly Circle website.

#13 Found this mess of caterpillars on a single leaf. No idea of the ID though, anyone?

#14 Closer view to aid in identification 🙂

#15 Ant-Snatching Assassin Bug (Acanthaspis petax) This bizarre creature sticks it’s prey onto it’s back. Notice all the ant heads lumped together! More details on this deadly assassin here: New Tiny Findings at Mandai Track 15.

The complete album can be viewed here.

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