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Wasp and Membracid Nymph

Parachartergus apicalis & Membracidae

Photo by Juan DiTrani
Published on Project Noah
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9.29104, -79.7425

Field Notes

Description:

When I first saw this wasp I thought it was trying to attack the membracids or steel some of the eggs of the adult. Then I realized the wasp was actually "milking" the Membracid nymph.
Some membracid nymphs produce sugar solutions ("honey") for feeding ants and other insects who, in exchange, protect the membracids.
This Membracid is producing "honey" on the gland of its tail, you can see some honey droplets on the stem of the plant.

Habitat:

Secondary rainforest

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)
Wild Things
Lovely find! Congratulations on the nomination :)
Juan DiTrani
Thanks Gilma, I know this is not a cute spot, but to me is very interesting subject
Fyn Kynd
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Juan DiTrani
you are right Marta, this kind of mutualism is very interesting
The MnMs
Is a wonderful strategy not to be eaten by predators: to offer them something sweet instead :-)
AntónioGinjaGinja
wow,awesome Juan,great beahvior,perfect timing,congrats and thanks for sharing such a interesting spotting and info

Spotted for Missions

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Symbiotic Relationships
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Interaction between different species of Arthropods
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National Geographic's Great Nature Project
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2014 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedAugust 14, 2014

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