The Peanut Bug (Fulgora laterneria), also known as the lantern fly, peanut-headed lanternfly or alligator bug, is a species of planthopper in the family Fulgoridae. It inhabits the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Central America and South America. The name comes from the large protuberance at the front of its head, resembling the shape of a peanut.
The peanut bug has a length of 85–90 millimetres (3.3–3.5 in), and a wingspan of 100–150 millimetres (3.9–5.9 in). The peanut-shaped protrusion can reach up to 10–15 millimetres (0.39–0.59 in). When attacked, it protects itself by displaying large, yellow, fake eyes on its hind wings to frighten the aggressor, and releases a foul-smelling substance. Adults can be found from June to December. They feed on the sap of plants, mainly from some trees such as Hymenaea courbaril, Simarouba amara and Zanthoxylum species. It will generally remain camouflaged on a tree trunk during the day.