6.3. Use of brochosomes in oviposition (egg laying)
Unlike in the majority of leafhopper species, females from certan genera of the tribe Proconiini (Oncometopia, Homalodisca, Molomea, Acrogonia, and some other) use brochosomes also to cover their eggs inserted in plant tissues. In such species, females produce specialized egg brochosomes. Shortly before oviposition, the females release this secretion and place onto the forewings. where it dries as a pair of conspicuous, "chalky" spots consisting of egg brochosomes (watch VIDEO). This behavior is a modified form of anointing. For a comprehensive discussion see Rakitov 2004.
After inserting eggs into the plant, the female uses its hindlegs to scrape the brochosomes off the forewing spots onto the oviposition site (#12). This powdering behavior is a modified form of grooming. It has been observed for the first time by R. B. Swain (1936). Watch VIDEO
An egg nest of Oncometopia orbona (F.). The eggs (arrows) are partly visible through a thin leaf epidermis, under which they are inserted. The epidermis above the egg batch is copiously coated with white brochosomes.
Such brochosome coats are highly hydrophobic. Their other possible properties and adaptive significance (apparently protection of eggs) remain to be studied.
Read more: Hix 2001; Rakitov 2004; Rakitov & Godoy 2005; Velema et al. 2005.