CLOSED: What is this? Just came out of cocoon, I think.

emblue Morrisville, PA Aug 02, 2008

This was on the marigold tonight -- I think it just came out of a cocoon. It was on the same plant where I previously had what were thought to be Eupithecia miserulata (common pug) worms -- is this one of those? It's about 1/3 of an inch long or so. Sitting in one spot (was near what I think were the cocoon remnants, but I accidentally knocked him off the flower -- that's when I found him, when I was checking under the flowerheads to see if things were clear).

Three images -- two in the next postings.

These photos were taken today, in Bucks County, PA (Southeastern PA) if that helps.

Thanks!

This message was edited Aug 1, 2008 7:38 PM

This message was edited Aug 1, 2008 7:40 PM

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emblue Morrisville, PA Aug 02, 2008

Another image

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emblue Morrisville, PA Aug 02, 2008

Last one.

This message was edited Aug 1, 2008 7:38 PM

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Aug 02, 2008

Citrus flatid planthopper http://bugguide.net/node/view/201927
Planthoppers have gradual metamorphosis, so there would be no cocoon involved. You probably saw the old exoskeleton, from which the adult emerged.

This message was edited Aug 1, 2008 7:51 PM

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emblue Morrisville, PA Aug 02, 2008

Incredible! Thank you! I can't believe how many different things I'm seeing just by looking....

This is similar to what I saw -- the white stuff:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN605

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Aug 02, 2008

As the nymph (young planthopper) grows, its exoskeleton splits open and the now larger nymph emerges. This happens maybe four times (not sure in planthoppers - would have to research that) until the last time when the adult, with wings, emerges.

I am still amazed at the things I see out there. Nature is so incredibly interesting!!

Glad I could help. Keep looking....