Delphacodes Shermani

delphacodes shermani

Delphacodes Shermani is a tiny, colorful insect that loves to hop around in gardens and fields. They are fun to watch as they flutter from flower to flower, helping to spread pollen!

Habitat: They live in gardens, fields, and grassy areas.

Appearance

The Delphacodes Shermani is a tiny, brownish-yellow planthopper with delicate, clear wings held roof-like over its body. Its distinctive short, broad head and specialized hind legs help it stand out from other small jumping insects.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyDelphacidaeGenusDelphacodes

Photo: Mark RichmanCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalistView original ↗

Delphacodes Shermani

Interesting facts

Baby Delphacodes Shermani, called nymphs, look wingless and grow by shedding their skin!

Some planthoppers can hop backward just as easily as they jump forward, like a mini moonwalk!

These tiny insects drink liquid sap from plants using a special straw-like mouth!

They can 'talk' to each other by vibrating plants, sending secret messages through stems!

Special abilities

Delphacodes Shermani can jump incredibly far for its size because of powerful, muscular hind legs that help them escape predators.

Delphacodes Shermani has a subtly patterned body that helps them disappear amongst grasses and plant stems to avoid being seen.

Delphacodes Shermani can produce protective waxy filaments that help them deter predators and prevent water loss.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 4-8 mm
Size: 2-4 mm
Lifespan: 30-60 days
Flight Speed: 1.5 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

These tiny insects drink plant sap using their straw-like mouthparts to get all their nutrients.

Primary Foods

Spartina alterniflora
Juncus roemerianus
Spartina patens
Distichlis spicata

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

garden spider

Argiopinae aurantia

Spiders like this build webs to catch jumping insects.

eats

big-eyed bug

Geocoris pallens

This predatory insect actively hunts small plant-dwelling bugs.

parasitizes

delphacid egg parasitoid

Anagrus delicatus

This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside the eggs of planthoppers.

Eaten by

black-capped chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

Small birds forage for these insects on marsh plants.

Traits

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Herbivorous

This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Pollinator

Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

Also known as

Sherman's Delphacodes

Collections

Insects

Safety

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Delphacodes Shermani?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

What is Delphacodes Shermani's wingspan?

4-8 mm

How big is Delphacodes Shermani?

2-4 mm

How long does Delphacodes Shermani live?

30-60 days

How fast can Delphacodes Shermani fly?

1.5 km/h

What does Delphacodes Shermani eat?

These tiny insects drink plant sap using their straw-like mouthparts to get all their nutrients.

Where is Delphacodes Shermani usually found?

They live in gardens, fields, and grassy areas.