Brochosome

Brochosomes are intricately structured microscopic granules secreted by leafhoppers (the family Cicadellidae of the insect order Hemiptera) and typically found on their body surface and, more rarely, eggs.

[5] The name, derived from the Greek words βρóχoς ("brochos": mesh of a net) and σωμα ("soma": body), refers to the characteristic reticulated surface of the granules.

[6] Brochosomes are produced within cells of specialized glandular segments of the Malpighian tubules – the primary excretory organs of insects, which often serve additional functions.

The resulting coat makes the integument highly repellent to water (superhydrophobic)[1] and to the leafhopper’s own liquid excreta,[14] the latter often being sugary and sticky, and thus potentially dangerous for the insect.

[13] For example, there is evidence that the anti reflective property of brochosome make surfaces coated by it appear similar to a leaf in the eyes of insects thus it can be used as camouflage for the eggs.

The most common brochosomes
A female Homalodisca vitripennis carries on her wings masses of specialized brochosomes (the white spot) to be used during egg-laying.
A model of a typical brochosome from leafhopper integument (on the right dissected to show the interior). [ 1 ]
Development of brochosomes (stages I to IV) in a secretory cell.
A freshly molted female of Igutettix oculatus (Ldb.) uses its hind tibiae to transfer brochosome-containing secretory droplets from the anus ( left ) onto the forewings ( middle ), where the sediment of brochosomes dries as a pair of white spots ( right ), sometimes erroneously referred to as "wax areas".