Bud camouflage and extreme jumps: Meeting the privet leafhopper

Looking remarkably like a tiny green leaf bud tucked away on a branch, the privet leafhopper (Fieberiella florii) is a true master of hiding in plain sight. Measuring just 6.5 to 8 millimeters long, this compact insect features a flattened head and a wedge-shaped body adorned with intricate, bark-like mottling. But don’t let its quiet look fool you—this little creature is an absolute athletic powerhouse! When startled, it can launch itself into the air over 100 times its own body length, making it one of the most efficient jumpers in the insect realm. Equipped with needle-like mouthparts, it sips sweet plant sap from privet, fruit trees, and forest shrubs. Young nymphs even rock a set of long, stiff tail bristles before growing up into these clever, jumping masters. I met this cute little leafhopper twice near Barkarby, Sweden. During both encounters it had slightly different colour patterns, but both times it patiently allowed a photo session.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts of related arthropods

Photo taken on 19-09-2026 in Husby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f14, 1/160, ISO 160.
Scent sniffers and crop wanders: The alf...
Photo taken on 19-09-2026 in Husby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f14, 1/100, ISO 250.
Seasonal disguises and dotted armor: The...
Photo taken on 05-09-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/100, ISO 125.
Metallic armor and secret hearts: Meetin...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/50, ISO 125.
Swedish forest dwellers: Spotting a camo...
Photo taken on 06-07-2025 in Serock, Poland, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f22, 1/200, ISO 320.
Masters of seasonal disguise: The world ...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/50, ISO 160.
Shape-shifting nymphs and unexpected sca...
Scroll to Top

Would you prefer to hide close-up spider photos?
Wolisz ukryć zdjęcia pająków?
¿Ocultar fotos de arañas en primer plano?