Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida means we see and have to defend our homes from a lot of unusual insects. But the beauty of living in our subtropical weather – other than temperate weather that attracts thousands of snowbirds every year – is that we get to see so many unusual and interesting insects. Like the one you see at the top of this article – the Brazilian Treehopper.

Of course, you could walk right past the Bocydium globulare and never even notice it – but if you do, it’s a sight to behold.

Slow Insects Eating

Much like the sloths who run the DMV in Disney’s Zootopia movie, Brazilian Treehoppers won’t catch your eye because they are tiny – about the size of a pea – and they move so very little. They are very patient and will settle in on a leaf or branch and slowly suck away the sap to survive.

Their saliva keeps the leaf from closing the hole, so a treehopper can feed for many days or weeks, subsisting off the sap. They also secrete a honeydew, much like aphids, that ants and other insects like ants feed on. Some insects will express their gratitude by protecting the treehoppers from harm.

Females may then lay their eggs in the same or a very close nearby leaf, and we do mean “in.” Brazilian Treehoppers lay their eggs on the surface of leaves, but also can push them inside the  tissue of the plant – almost injecting them.

While the bugs are native to the rainforests of South America, they have adapted to exist in most tropical and subtropical conditions. You can find them everywhere from Florida to Australia, Asia to Africa.

Standing Out in a Crowd

If you do happen to glimpse the Bocydium globulare, it’s because of one very unusual feature. Many insects in the Membracidae family over the centuries have developed various forms of mimicry – appearing as a plants, other insects, or even their predator’s predators.

Some scientists say that seems to be the case with the Brazilian Treehopper – except some wires apparently got crossed. The Brazilian Treehopper’s most prominent feature is its overhead appendage – a stalk that has a cluster of hair or cilia covered balls. They can even appear as a cluster of eyes.

Some entomologists believe the balls protect them by warding off predators, or it could be designed to mimic the parasitic fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, whose growth looks similar to the balls of this particular treehopper. The fungus itself invades the bodies of ants until it erupts out of their bodies, much like the chest-bursters in the Alien movies.

Scientists know it must have a purpose – after all, more than 3200 species of treehoppers have similar features resembling thorns, leaves, and even bird droppings.

Thankfully, none of the treehopper species are a threat to us or our crops. At worst, they suck the sap out of a few leaves, but no real harm is done. Certainly nothing to the level that would require action to prevent economic disaster. The only sad thing is that so few people get to see one of God’s most interesting insect creations without the  use of microphotography or a really good magnifying glass.

As for the insects you’d rather not see up close and personal, we can help with that. Our most popular solution, Go Green Perimeter Plus protects your home against the usual creepy crawlies that try to invade your homestead. Keep ants, cockroaches, and silverfish out. Good News Pest Solutions also has the best treatment for termites you’ll find in the state. For more details on any of our solutions or to set up an appointment, please give us a call!