Ant-mimicking treehopper from Ecuador

5 years ago
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This treehopper from the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador is called Cyphonia clavata in the family Membracidae and measures only 6 mm in length. Treehoppers are insects related to cicadas and leafhoppers.
Most treehoppers have a highly modified pronotum on the back, in this case forming several hollow spheres and spines, which makes it unpalatable for potential predators. Moreover it resembles an ant which most predators rather avoid.
Treehoppers feed on plant sap which is rich in sugar. In this video the sucking mouthparts of the treehopper have penetrated the vein of a leaf.

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