Insects and Spiders - Elicine Planthoppers
Tribe Elicini
I have seen photos of similar insects, but this was a surprise. On live oak. A number of planthopper nymphs (immature adults) can secrete wax threads from glands in their abdomen, which together look like an iridescent tail. Experts think that the wax fibers can help with guiding the planthoppers' hops from one plant to another. Scientists also believe the shimmering wax fibers might distract predators.
I found another type of Elcine Planthoppers on Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis).