Gallery: These Insects Decorate Their Butts With Waxy Sculptures
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This planthopper is completely hidden underneath a poofy toupee of wax.
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This planthopper nymph has straight wax, curly wax, and fluffy wax on its behind. It's like a hipster buttstache, waxed to perfection.
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Sparkler butt! This planthopper's waxy behind can be lifted up and over its body for defense.
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This stem is almost completely hidden by wax-covered nymphs. By roosting together, these little planthoppers are able to hide from predators in plain sight.
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Is it a spider? An insect corpse infected with a fungus? Nope, it's a tiny scale insect hiding under lots of waxy extensions.
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Spiraling Whiteflies are relatives of planthoppers. The female creates the waxy rings as she lays her eggs, and the nymphs hatch out inside a gated wax community.
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