Reflex bleeding in froghoppers (Homoptera : Cercopidae): Variation in behavior and taxonomic distribution

Reflex bleeding in New World froghoppers is described in detail for the fir st thue. Prosapia sp. n. adults exude hemolymph from rupture lines in preta rsal pads when attacked by predators. After an assault, food access permitt ed replenishment of exudate volume within 6 h. A survey of New World Cercop oidea (53 species) demonstrated the behavior to be synapomorphic in the pre dominantly aposematic family Cercopidae, but not present in the largely cry ptic Aphrophoridae and Clastopteridae. A comparative study of four species [Iphirhina quota (Distant), Mahanarva costaricensis (Distant), P. plagiata (Distant), and Prosapia sp. n.] showed that total volume of exudate, volume per weight, and response to general versus localized assaults varied. amon g sexes, species, and habitats. Laboratory and field bioassays failed to de monstrate mechanical or chemical deterrency. In tandem with warning odors, however, conspicuousness coloration and reflexive discharge of blood form a n elaborate warning signal in cercopid froghoppers, probably functioning as a startle stimulus that permits escape by jumping.