Comments on: Thorn Treehopper

By: mary

mary — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:48:12 +0000

Blanc0 – It’s neat to hear from anyone who knew thornhoppers when they were young. I really see the appeal!

Mary

By: Blanc0

Blanc0 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:32:15 +0000

I used to play with these bugs back in the late 80s in PuertoRico…

By: mary

mary — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:34:23 +0000

Hello Prospero,

I have not encountered Muntingia calabura in person, but it is indeed a native plant here, as it is in much of Central America. My concern for you is whether the tree might be invasive in Bermuda. It has been described as invasive in other areas, so you might want to check with your local plant authorities on this issue. If you get the go-ahead, note that it requires open space – the Panama Tree Atlas states that here in Panama it is found only in waste grasslands.

Thanks for commenting.

Mary

By: Prospero

Prospero — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:45:11 +0000

Those are some pretty strange bugs. Since you are from Panama, can I ask you if you know the PANAMA BERRY (Muntingia calabura). I want to try to grow it in Bermuda and wondered if you had any advice.

By: buedamau

buedamau — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:29:46 +0000

this pictures seem to come directly from national geographic shows. what an amazing view, even if pests ;P

By: mary

mary — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:30:24 +0000

Hi Beau,
You’re so right about the child’s toy. While looking them up on the internet, I read about a man who said he used to play with them when he was growing up in the Dominican Republic. When I touched one, I was surprised at its softness. The head is hard but those peaks and sides are not, they’re kind of squishy-firm. I had expected a beetle-like carapace. At any rate, I admire the Dominican because as a child he would had to have been gentle with these creatures if they were to survive his play.

By: Beau

Beau — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:39:14 +0000

Those are very strange, and pretty neat at the same time! Almost looks like a child’s toy or something. They would certainly get my attention

By: mary

mary — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:44:49 +0000

Shelley – Ah, yes. Plants without bugs – no flowers, no chemicals that may lead to the cure for cancer. Good perspective there.

By: mary

mary — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:42:18 +0000

Michael – It certainly is fun! And, just for fun, what was your heretofore coolest bug?

By: Shelley

Shelley — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:38:29 +0000

What a beautiful pest! Very architectural in its organization and design.

As for the entomological bent, where would plants be without their welcome and unwelcome guests? We’d likely still be mired in those big forests of tree ferns, Pteridosperms, and lycophytes, nary a flower in sight!

~Shelley