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Parachartergus apicalis & Membracidae
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.
Secondary rainforest
Spotted on Aug 2, 2014
Submitted on Aug 14, 2014
10 Comments
Thanks Wild Things
Lovely find! Congratulations on the nomination :)
Thanks Gilma, I know this is not a cute spot, but to me is very interesting subject
Congratulations on the nomination for SOTW, Juan DiTrani, Amazing spotting!! Good luck.
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!
you are right Marta, this kind of mutualism is very interesting
Is a wonderful strategy not to be eaten by predators: to offer them something sweet instead :-)
Thanks Antonio and Ashley
wow,awesome Juan,great beahvior,perfect timing,congrats and thanks for sharing such a interesting spotting and info
Very cool, Juan!