Chionomus quadrispinosus

This handsome black, brown and white planthopper with clear wings is Chionomus quadrispinosus, no common name. The “thumblike” antennae (such a little alien, isn’t it?) and the spur on the hind leg mark it as a member of the family Delphacidae, the largest family of planthoppers.

Someone has carefully photographed each of the 14 members of this genus, drawn their genitalia, and sequenced their DNA, but there is little to no info on what they do all day, etc. Chionomus in general range from the very southern United States (i.e., Florida, where everything lives) down into Central and South America.

Identified on iNaturalist and on bugguide.

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