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Thorn Bug

uncommon

Thorn Bug

Umbonia crassicornis

Habitat
Tropical and subtropical American woodlands, on woody host shrubs and trees
Body length
12 mm
Order
Hemiptera · Membracidae

Weird but real

Its huge pronotal spine mimics a plant thorn so perfectly that predators skip right over the disguised insect.

Why it's cool

A treehopper cosplaying as a thorn, and mothers stand guard buzzing vibrations to muster their nymphs against wasps.

Photographs

Thorn Treehopper - Umbonia crassicornis, Oasis Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, Florida.
Judy Gallagher · CC BY 2.0 · source
nymphs of this species form aggregations, and send "group" vibrational signals (through plant stems) that elicit anti-predator behavior from the caring female, including wing-fanning and leg-kicking. cool!
Marshal Hedin · CC BY 2.0 · source