Master Naturalists in Action!

Surprise Encounter

Oak Treehoppers (Platycotis vittata)
at Chilton Woods

I love to look closely at small things in the natural world. On April 28, I was looking closely at a branch of a White Oak tree at Chilton Woods. When I went to grab a nearby branch, I was startled to realize that the branch was lined with small black and white striped insects. On even closer inspection I was transfixed by their bizarre coloration and appearance. I took lots of photos, of course, and when I got home I found out that they were Oak Treehoppers (Platycotis vittata) in their nymph stage. So once a week I made a point to visit this same tree and I was thrilled that they were there each time. My happy surprise came on May 16, when I was treated not only to the sight of an adult, but I also saw a newly emerging adult shedding its nymph skin. I’m so happy that I took a closer look in the first place and even more happy that I kept coming back to look again and again. — Anne Parker

Oak Treehoppers (Platycotis vittata) nymphs crowded on this oak branch at Chilton Woods caught Certified Master Naturalist Anne Parker’s eye. Her observations over the next week or so provided an unexpected phenology study on this arthropod. photo by Anne Parker, BTC21