That's the nature-zateynitsa. You never know what other surprises may give. This time the protagonists of her embodiment fantasies become Gorbatko. These are small insects which are the hallmark of outgrowths of the most incredible form, located on the back. They may be in the form of horns, crests, balls, spikes, horns, etc. These "constructions" sometimes exceed the dimensions of the Gorbatko. Actually, because of them, this insect got its name.

Meet the most unpleasant insects on our planet.



Gorbatkov (Latin: Membracidae) (born Treehopper)


Evolution has made Brazil a Gorbatkov ugly ulterior motive. Surreal appearance deters insect predators. Quasi-mounds in the form of antennas, which are located at the end of the ball-like eyes are actually layers of chitin, which protect against Gorbatkov predation. Yes, these are the harsh realities of wildlife.

Bizarre spines, hooks and spines surrounded by bristles that perform a protective function and sensory Gorbatko.
Brazilian Gorbatkov belong to a class of insects, Hemiptera and family detachment of cycads. Like other members of this family, adults and their Gorbatkov larvae feed on plant juices.
Gorbatkov widely distributed around the globe, they are not found only in the Arctic. Most large and varied population of these amazing insects inhabit the tropical forests of South America. The fierce competition for survival in the tropics has made one of these monsters.
With a variety of bizarre shapes, Brazilian Gorbatkov become a source of inspiration for painters and sculptors. Looking at the creatures depicted in the photographs, you come to the conclusion that if Salvador Dali invented insects, they would look that way.
In the world there are about 3200 kinds gorbatok. They are spread all over the world, well, except Antarctica. Most of them are inhabitants of tropical South America. But some species are found in temperate latitudes.
True, tropical copies of "facilities" on the pronotum are more bizarre forms than their northern counterparts. Here in Russia you can find horned Gorbatkov, but it has been more simple look. In Europe, there are only 3 species of this insect.
Most of these insects live on plants, some of you can meet in the crown of foliage. The most preferred sites are the edges of meadows and surrounded by dense forest. Most varieties of the life cycle takes place in the trees.

The main feature is their gorbatok intricate form protuberances, located on the pronotum. In some species, they are simpler, such as a conventional hump, while others - a real piece of architectural art. Their main purpose is not clear. Perhaps this is one way of mimicry. Interestingly, the males and females of one species can sometimes have a different color and shape of their appendages.

Despite these "structures" of impressive dimensions Gorbatkov can fly, though fliers are unimportant. The distance of the flight is only a few meters.

congestion gorbatok

Their lives can not be called rich. Most of the time Gorbatkov spend on plants and suck their juices. This is their main source of food. It is drunk as adults and larvae.

nymph Gorbatkov


Females lay eggs under the bark on the surface of leaves or roots of plants, the kidneys, etc. The eggs overwinter. To protect the females of some species cover their frothy substance that hardens and then forms a solid shell. In other species, females guard their eggs and larvae remain throughout their development.
Gorbatkov with egg-laying
Gorbatkov with offspring


Larvae gorbatok as excrement produce a substance rich in sugar, it is called honeydew. It had to taste the ants. As a result, between nymphs and ants gorbatok developed a kind of mutually beneficial cooperation: the first "deliver" a sweet substance the ants, and they in turn protect them from other insects.

For people Gorbatkov perfectly safe. True to walk barefoot through a meadow, where they live better not. You can run into a few horns and spikes.