Anointing: examples (more....)

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Anointing in a freshly eclosed1st instar nymph of Cuerna costalis (F.). The entire body is coated with liquid secretion in a single step. When it dries, a white layer of brochosomes appears on the surface. This smearing-like anointing is distinct from "bathing" displayed by nymphs of some leafhoppers (watch VIDEO) and treehopper nymphs.

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A two-step anointing in a freshly molted male of Oncometopia orbona (F.). This type of anointing is typical of many groups of leafhoppers.

Step 1 (ventral): Brochosome-containing fluid is spread over the legs and the ventral body surface:

Step 2 (dorsal): A few minutes later, new droplets of secretion are released and spread over the forewings and the dorsal body surface:

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Watch more anointing behaviors (VIDEO)

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