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Project Noah Nature School
Membracidae
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.
Spotted on May 12, 2012
Submitted on Aug 5, 2013
5 Comments
@beaker98 and @Sckel -- thank you for your comments..
Yeah, I just went back and read that! So sorry I didn't read clearly! Thanks 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.
His spottings are beautiful.
So is the ant trying to harm the treehopper? I've often seen ants pestering treehoppers in my area. Great photo!