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.