Lantern Bugs - Zanna species

[Chiniensis]

I have managed to find some Lantern bugs of the Zanna species in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. They are feeding and last night a pair even mated. Whether they will continue to feed and live remains to be seen, as they have never lasted more than a day or two before now. I am tryinga different approach and it seems to be working.

David

(facebook - Exotic Insects)

 

[sally]

Looks like a sawfish snout. Very pretty colors. Good luck with them.

 

[D_Hemptress]

Interesting myth for this bug....

The bug’s astonishing and memorable appearance didn’t go unnoticed and local folklore even attributes magical powers to the bug. For one, it was often believed that lantern bugs are able to produce light, similar to glow worms. But their wing patterns merely reflect light, making it look as if are glowing at night.

More intriguing is the myth that persons bitten by this bug will die if they don't have sex within 24 hours. It’s a story that is widely circulated and already existed in the 19th century. American naturalist John C. Bannor recalled in 1885 stories of an insect called lantern fly whose bite could instantly kill people, animals and even trees. People at least were saved – according to the myth – if they had sex within 24 hours.

 

[TheOtherSpecies]

I've been bit! Where's me mate?

 

[D_Hemptress]

I've been bit! Where's me mate?

fact: these bugs do not bite! lol nice try tho!

 

[glock34girl]

fact: these bugs do not bite! lol nice try tho!

Well damn.

 

[twolfe]

How cool and weird. I love the colors. Good luck with them!

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Note to self: sounds like the safest thing is just make sure and have sex every 24 hours just in case you were bitten! Check...

 

[Chiniensis]

Lantern bugs eggs laid this morning!! The female laid the ootheca in stages, returning to continue scraping bits of bark to make a very good camouflage. I have no idea how long (or if) the eggs will hatch. Is this a first?

David (Facebook - Exotic Insects)

 

[lancaster1313]

Nice!

 

[Chiniensis]

Two more ootheca have been laid, so I'm getting quietly confident that I may get some nymphs!