Скачать или смотреть Thorn Bug: The Tiny Insect That Pretends to Be a Thorn!

At first glance, the thorn bug (Umbonia crassicornis) looks like nothing more than a sharp spike growing out of a plant stem. But look closer — that “thorn” suddenly sprouts legs, starts feeding, and may even vibrate to communicate with its neighbors.

This tiny insect is one of the most bizarre and brilliantly evolved creatures hiding in tropical forests. The thorn bug belongs to the Membracidae, or treehoppers — a family famous for their strange and elaborate body shapes. But Umbonia crassicornis takes the crown for its spectacular thorn-shaped pronotum, a long, pointed structure that mimics a plant spine so perfectly that predators almost never notice it.

They are just 10 mm (0.39 inches) long — small enough to vanish completely against a branch. They come with Bright green or yellow bodies, Reddish lines tracing the edges and Subtle brown markings for texture.
This natural paint job gives them a 3D thorn effect, blending seamlessly with stems of tropical trees and shrubs.

Males and females both sport the iconic thorn, but not equally. Males tend to be smaller with a shorter, stubbier horn. Females have a longer, more dramatic spike, making them look like the real deal: an unmoving thorn protecting the plant.

Their diet is simple but demanding - plant sap. They use their straw-like mouthparts to pierce stems and drink the nutrient-poor liquid. Because sap contains mostly water, thorn bugs must feed constantly — producing loads of honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance.

Ants adore honeydew. In exchange for this sugary feast, they patrol the plant, chase away predators and protect both adults and nymphs. This creates a mutualistic partnership, where the thorn bug colony thrives under ant protection.

Unlike most insects that lay eggs and leave, the female thorn bug may guard her eggs and newly hatched young. She positions herself near the cluster, fights off small predators, and guides the nymphs as they grow.
For an insect this tiny, this level of parental care is extraordinary!