Northern Flatid Planthopper
Flatormenis proxima
Nymphs of this species secrete a white, fluffy wax from their abdomens that makes them look like tiny walking pieces of lint, protecting them from predators.
- Scientific name
- Flatormenis proxima
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hemiptera › Flatidae › Flatormenis
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, edge habitats, orchards, and suburban gardens.
- Diet
- Phloem sap extracted from woody plants, including maples, oaks, and ashes.
- Range
- North America, United States, Canada
- Size
- 7 to 9 mm in length
- Lifespan
- Under 1 year
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Broad-spectrum pesticide applications in suburban and agricultural areas.
- Safe to approach?
- Completely harmless to humans. You can safely observe these tiny insects up close on leaves and stems. They do not bite or sting, though they will quickly leap away if touched.
Flatormenis proxima , known generally as the northern flatid planthopper or mealy flatid planthopper , is a species of flatid planthopper in the family Flatidae.
Photo: Katja Schulz, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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