About Scolypopa australis (Walker, 1851)
Scolypopa australis, commonly called the passionvine hopper, is an insect species in the planthopper superfamily Fulgoroidea, belonging to the family Ricaniidae. This species is native to Australia and has been introduced to New Zealand. Contrary to what its common name suggests, it lives on a wide range of plant species besides passion vines, including kiwifruit and lantana. Adult passionvine hoppers are brown, have partially transparent wings, and measure 5 to 6 millimeters in length, while nymphs reach around 5 millimeters long. To an untrained observer, adults resemble moths, and they walk in a pattern described as "like a ballerina". Nymphs have no wings and are informally nicknamed "fluffy bums". When sufficiently disturbed, they hop away from their host plant with an audible 'snap'. Like all planthoppers, Scolypopa australis feeds by sucking plant sap. Feeding leaves behind honeydew secretion, which is collected by bees.
