Strange planthopper with tuft of white hair

David Pescovitz 9:09 am Tue Nov 19, 2013

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This little beastie is a baby planthopper, about 5 millimeters long, that researchers recently documented during an expedition to southeast Suriname. This particular creature isn't a fresh discovery, but the Conservation International team did find 60 species they believe are new to science.

"Many planthopper species exude waxy secretions from the abdomen, which sometimes form long strands like those seen in this photo," says Conservation International's Trond Larsen. "These strands may provide protection from predators — it could be that they fool a predator into attacking the wrong part of the insect, and the wax breaks off while the insect jumps to safety."

"Expedition to Southeast Suriname Uncovers 60 New Species — and Untold Natural Wealth"

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