Eye-patterned Gum Hopper - Platybrachys vidua

Family Eurybrachyidae

This page contains pictures and information about Eye-patterned Gum Hopper that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia. 

Body length 15mm
 
This planthopper rests on tree trunk heading downwards. When moves, it moves backwards. Together with the eye-patterns on it forewing tips, it gives the impression of its tail is its head. It looked lager. We found many of them on gum tree trunk in Alexandra Hill during later summer.
 
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We noticed that some other species, including the Platybrachys decemmacula, also have the same behavior and wing eye-patterns. Since the eye-patterns are four eyes in a row, which make us think that they may mimic the face of a Huntsman Spider. Huntsman Spider has four eyes in a row at the front of its face and wait for prey on tree trunk.   
 
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Last updated: September 10, 2006.