PROLEPTA FEROCULA

EMBEDDED IN CASTING RESIN

Aphaeninae

The subfamily Aphaeninae is a group of hemipteran insects, especially abundant and diverse in the tropics. They belong to the Fulgoridae (fulgorids), though they are not among the more well-known members of that family which are called "lantern bugs" or "lantern flies" (although as true bugs they are only distantly related to true flies). In 2009, the first molecular analysis of the Fulgoridae, challenged the existing structure of eight currently recognized subfamilies, and eleven tribes.

Aphaeninae contain a number of well-sized fulgorids. If seen flying at a distance, they can be mistaken for Lepidoptera, as they are large-winged and boldly patterned, although usually not as colorful as some other fulgorids.

The future of the Aphaeninae as a subfamily is unclear since the species assigned to it are interlineated in the molecular analysis with species of other Fulgoridae subfamilies

The family Fulgoridae is a large group of hemipteran insects, especially abundant and diverse in the tropics, containing over 125 genera worldwide. They are mostly of moderate to large size, many with a superficial resemblance to Lepidoptera due to their brilliant and varied coloration. Various genera and species are sometimes referred to as lanternflies or lanthorn flies, though they do not emit light.

The head of some species is produced into a hollow process (structure), resembling a snout, which is sometimes inflated and nearly as large as the body of the insect, sometimes elongated, narrow and apically upturned.