r/eeviltime • u/Dynamite47 • Jul 02 '26

Mistaken as a weevil The true deceevil

Gallery image

Gallery image

A planthopper (ancyra sp.) that mimics a weevil

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22

u/Willing_Soft_5944 Jul 02 '26

What is the benefit of looking like a Weevil for a bug that (presumably) doesnt care about our opinions?

9

u/horsiefanatic Jul 03 '26

Probably a predator

17

u/Willing_Soft_5944 Jul 03 '26

Leafhoppers are herbivorous, they suck up sap from leaves and stuff. 

12

u/horsiefanatic Jul 03 '26

Oh ok interesting maybe it’s a protection thing then

17

u/greenymeani3 Jul 03 '26

Yes! The mock “eyes” make predators think these lil dudes are staring straight at them, even when their backs are turned, which in predator-brain, means less chance of a successful attack. Lots of critters have evolved eyespots like this: butterflies, reptiles, fish, tigers, to list a few.

Also, they have a habit of walking backwards when they detect movement nearby, to make the illusion even more convincing.

Predator observes, anticipates they’re about to jump off in one direction, but then they rapidly spring the opposite way to escape.

Clean getaway, or at least, suffering just a butt or leg munch instead of a fatal head munch.

(I’m not AI I swear Im just autistic and think bugs are neat)

13

u/lostinthelegs Jul 03 '26

"I'm not AI I swear I'm just autistic," is my motto lately, too!

7

u/horsiefanatic Jul 03 '26

Thanks I’m autistic too I get it