IDENTIFIED: Unknown [probably] Fulgorid Planthopper from Belize

danielj

July 14th, 2007 at 12:00 am

Categories

Aphids, Scale Insects, Leafhoppers, and Tree Hoppers

what the heck is this bug
We discovered this insect in Belize. It is approximately 10 centimeters long and we are fairly certain that it is a member of the order Homonoptera. Can you help us? Thank you so much,
Yeray

fulgorid belize IDENTIFIED: Unknown [probably] Fulgorid Planthopper from Belize

Hi Veray,
That is a big insect. We believe it is one of the Fulgorid Planthoppers, but we would love to get you a positive identification.

Identification: (07/20/2007)
Daniel: You are most welcome. Hey, I finally have an answer on the fulgorid, thanks to the world authority, Lois O’Brien. She says it is Cerogenes auricoma. No common name, but the Latin translates to “wax producer with golden hair.” Seems appropriate. Apparently the native Indians use the yellow wax on the head and thorax of this insect to make a dye.
Eric