The tiny life forms of Bamboo

[Prajwal J Ullal]

ID: Mukaria genus(bamboo feeding leafhopper)

While exploring the garden area, as exploring outer wildlife isn’t allowed due to the current pandemic situation, spotted some tiny specks of dust on the leaves of the bamboo plantation. On close observation realized it was some form of leafhopper resting on it. Though few of them hopped off while approaching them, this particular one seemed to be more cooperative enough to frame it, but after framing and reviewing the image realized the presence of the other nymphs of the same beauty, which were almost invisible to the naked eye. Looking at the different sized nymphs, probably different stages of the same, with those black dots, almost resembled the surface of the leaf/blade. Another observation was the height these species could manage while hopping off, almost disappearing off our sight, with their length being hardly 2-3mm long, these could easily hop off couple of feet in the air

EXIF:
Canon 80D
Canon 100mm macro+ 25mm extension tube
F/9
Shutterspeed 1/160
ISO 500
Handheld, external flash fired

Location: Thane

[Mrudul Godbole]

The leaf hopper is so colourful. Nice sighting. The nymphs are so well camouflaged, resting on the yellow part of the leaf making them difficult to sight. Good details. Nice capture. Thanks for sharing the details.

P.S - I can see some dust spots can be seen on the top part of the frame.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Wow! These look so tiny, it would be simply difficult for people to notice, especially given the colour scheme which easily camouflages. Unlike humans, the animals and insect world know how to choose the right spot to merge with the surroundings and remain unnoticed. It is we the humans who always want to be noticed. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi