Pricked by the thorn

Some insects can blend into the background, but only if they pick the right spot.  For the numerous true bugs (Hemiptera) that spend nearly all their time sitting on plants and drinking sap, the best camouflage could be to look like a part of the plant.

A leafhopper nymph (possibly Xerophloea sp.) sitting at a node along a plant stem.

At first glance, I mistook the leafhopper above for a new bud.  Perhaps a potential predator would have been similarly deceived.  However, there was no chance of making the same mistake with this bug:

One of these thorns is not like the others.

The two-horned treehopper (Ceresa diceros) might pass for a thorn on some plants -- but not on this rose bush.  On the other hand, the horns (and the rest of the armor-like "helmet") might be enough to discourage many would-be predators.

The false thorn on this rose bush is a two-horned treehopper (Ceresa diceros).

Explore some more: The surreal treehoppers and The strange origin of the treehopper "helmet"