Fulgora laternaria - female
"Lanternfly"
Family:

The lanternfly is a rare insect found in the South American rain forest of Peru. Natives of this area also use other common names for the insect such as the "Peanut-head bug" or "alligator bug". This insect which was originally imported from China can grow to be about 8 cm (3 inches) in length. The lanternfly cannot bite. As a result, it is forced to extract nutrients from plants with sucking mouthparts.

The most identifiable structure of this insect is the large snout-like feature on the insect's head that is brightly colored and has been reported to glow at times. This unusual feature contains a pouch like extension from the digestive tract. In reality, this feature is just a hollow extension of the head. Some Amazonian Indians believed the lanternfly bite caused death.

Fulgora laternaria has been found to rest and feed on certain trees in the Peruvian rain forest that produce resins or toxic chemicals that are consumed by the insect. When danger is detected, these chemicals are released as a "skunk-like spray". Lizards have also been found to visit these trees. In order to keep predators away, lanternflies mimic lizards with their reptilian-like enlarge head and other color and structural features.

Mark Fleming
Entomology 301 - Fall 2000