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Treehopper and an Ant

Membracidae

Photo by Radha
Published on Project Noah
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13.3613, 75.5131

Field Notes

Description:

Treehoppers pierce plant stems with their beaks, and feed upon sap. Excess sap becomes concentrated as honeydew, which attracts ants. The ants provide Treehoppers protection from predators. This beneficial relationship is called Mutualism.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Radha
@beaker98 and @Sckel -- thank you for your comments..
beaker98
Yeah, I just went back and read that! So sorry I didn't read clearly! Thanks Sckel:)
Sckel
I've been following behavior treehopper in my backyard. I have 3 species here. Ants harass/bother much, but is a form of protection for treehopper if another insect try approaching.
Sckel
His spottings are beautiful.
beaker98
So is the ant trying to harm the treehopper? I've often seen ants pestering treehoppers in my area. Great photo!

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National Geographic's Great Nature Project

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 5, 2013

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