CLASS: ARTHROPOID BASE ORGANISM: The Membracidae or "treehoppers" are closely related to the Cicadas, and best known for their remarkable "helmets," an evolutionary re-expression of the third pair of wings found in prehistoric insects. These helmets seem to vary in purpose, and may imitate plant parts, other insects, or even parasitic fungi. In many species, the disguise can break free in a predator's grasp as the insect leaps to safety, unharmed. Contents copyright Jonathan Wojcik
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