The Brazilian Treehopper, the more strange and surreal insect of the World (Bocydium globulare) (20 Pics)

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Members of the genus Bocydium are found only in the northern half of South America. The various species range from 4.6 to 7.5 mm in length (Godoy et al., 2006).

The purpose of the balls on the pronotal extensions has not been definitively explained.

Bocydium globulare is a solitary species. These hoppers are most often found feeding on the undersides of Glory Bush leaves (Miconia spp.) a couple of meters above the forest floor. The species is also attracted to lights.

Salvador Dali came up with some lovely surreal forms in his art, but this thing blows them all out of the water. Seen in Berlin's Museum of Natural History, this is the Brazilian Treehopper, or Bocydium globulare - a real living insect, which only pretends to be an alien helicopter: 

Source: 

http://www.americaninsects.net/h/bocydium-globulare.html

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2011/10/most-surreal-insect-on-earth.html