#tingidae

This species has only been documented at the Cairns Botanic Gardens in Australia, where it was discovered by a photographer/tour guide named Bridgette Gower back in 2020. The strange-looking insect is also known as "Bridgey's midgey," and it's recognized as an undescribed species of lace bug from the genus Oecharis.

The distinctive "cyst" on the insect's back is actually part of the pronotum (the plate that covers the dorsal side of its body) and it's formed by two separate structures that meet along the midline of the thorax; these two structures part whenever the insect needs to use its wings, which are folded beneath the dome.

The entire pronotum is covered in dark, lacy patterns and translucent cells that make the "cyst" seem even more exaggerated.

The adults of this species measure roughly 3mm long. Entomologists have also documented and collected the nymphs, which have flat, shiny bodies that are completely black.

Lace bugs (family Tingidae) are tiny insects that feed on plant fluids, and their common name is derived from the fact that they often have delicate and extremely intricate structures on their wings and pronotum.

Sources & More Info:

iNaturalist: Genus Oecharis

Aussie Macro Photos: Finding Bridgey's Midgey

Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology: Lace Bug Genera of the World, Part II (PDF)

i appreciate all my local lace bugs, as much as most of them just look like flat seeds, but i'd be lying if i said i don't wish i saw fancy ones more often. despite thorough searches on multiple plants my first Stephanitis was this bewildering encounter with one in my bathroom at 4 in the morning, which is exactly what a ghost or killer would place as bait if it wanted me to go outside at 4 in the morning to look for more lace bugs. but i endured

My second favorite family of true bugs :] if you're unfamiliar with them I urge you to go check them out (INaturalist link) they are beautiful and weird intricate little creatures and my art can hardly do them the justice they deserve but I gave it my best shot!

Lace bugs, Teratocader sp., Tingidae

Photographed in Singapore by Nicky Bay // Website // Facebook

We'd planned, while in Sydney, to meet the rest of my family there, This didn't happen - bloody virus. Instead we spent two days at hotels near the airport. I did, at least, walk through some of the tiny reserves near the first hotel - the parks nearer the airport were very dissapointing as far as species go.