Many planthopper species exude waxy secretions from the abdomen, and these sometimes form long
strands, such as can be seen here. The long waxy strands may provide
protection from predators – fooling them into attacking the wrong part
of the insect. The wax breaks off while the insect jumps to safety. The
juvenile planthopper in this photo is only about 5mm long, and was
exceedingly difficult to photograph!

Trond Larsen/Conservation International