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Acacia Horned Treehopper
Sextius virescens
-16.8, 125.84
Spotting Video
Field Notes
Description:
These cute little Treehoppers appear to be green and brown with some yellow. Approximately between 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 - 1 inch) long with two small horns.
Habitat:
Hanging about on a small tree near the edge of the waterhole at Galvan's Gorge.
Notes:
I had spotted the Green Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) walking up and down the branches of this small tree. After looking closer I noticed they were protecting these little Treehoppers! Check out the little video: https://youtu.be/xtCFXEg-THw Very cool. Here's some cool info: "Treehoppers are True Bugs and they suck the sap of tree branches and often exude excess water and sugars in the form of honeydew. Honeydew is a very sticky substance and these insects have various methods of cleaning themselves. It is postulated that this species uses an apparatus at the end of its abdomen known as an anal whip to flick the honeydew away from itself.
Adults and nymphs are gregarious and often attended by ants that feed on the honeydew secreted by the bugs and in return the ants defend the plant and the treehoppers from predators." (Queensland Museum -
http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Ask+an+Expert/Question+of+the+m… )
Thank you Jellis for the identification.
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