Fulgorid planthoppers (family Fulgoridae), commonly known as lanternflies, are bizarre insects famous for their incredibly diverse head shapes, bright colors, and dramatic defense mechanisms. If their elaborate head camouflage fails, they will suddenly flash their vibrant hindwings to reveal large, striking false eyespots to startle predators, or even emit a pungent, foul-smelling odor when threatened. These planthoppers pierce the phloem of trees to feed on its sap. Because plant sap is low in nutrients but packed with sugar, they must consume massive quantities of it. They forcefully eject the excess sugary liquid as a mist called “honeydew,” which often coats the tree bark and fosters a sticky, dark fungal layer known as sooty mold. I spotted this stunning planthopper while walking through the city park in Puyo, Ecuador.