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Treehopper (Publilia concava) nymph being farmed by an ant The ant and treehopper have a mutualistic relationship. The ant strokes the treehopper (a nymph in this instance) with its antennae, which causes the treehopper to release a drop of honeydew from its rear. The ant eats the honeydew. In exchange, the ant(s) protect the treehoppers from predators. <br /> <br /> Habitat: Meadow<br /> <figure class="photo"><a href="https://www.jungledragon.com/image/143191/treehopper_nymph_-_publilia_concava.html" title="Treehopper Nymph - Publilia concava"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.jungledragon.com/images/3232/143191_thumb.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=05GMT0V3GWVNE7GGM1R2&Expires=1759968010&Signature=hl3yKD9mpT6vN%2BGJ9mGHbFig3A0%3D" width="200" height="156" alt="Treehopper Nymph - Publilia concava This nymph had a large, adorable dorsal hump.<br /> <br /> Habitat: Meadow<br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/143190/treehopper_publilia_concava_nymph_being_farmed_by_an_ant.html Geotagged,Publilia,Publilia concava,Summer,United States,nymph,treehopper" /></a></figure> Geotagged,Publilia,Publilia concava,Summer,United States,ant,mutualism,treehopper Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Treehopper (Publilia concava) nymph being farmed by an ant

The ant and treehopper have a mutualistic relationship. The ant strokes the treehopper (a nymph in this instance) with its antennae, which causes the treehopper to release a drop of honeydew from its rear. The ant eats the honeydew. In exchange, the ant(s) protect the treehoppers from predators.

Habitat: Meadow

Treehopper Nymph - Publilia concava This nymph had a large, adorable dorsal hump.<br /> <br /> Habitat: Meadow<br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/143190/treehopper_publilia_concava_nymph_being_farmed_by_an_ant.html Geotagged,Publilia,Publilia concava,Summer,United States,nymph,treehopper

    comments (5)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Really awesome how this single photo shows the entire symbiosis. Posted 2 years ago, modified 2 years ago
    1. View Christine Young's profile
      Christine Young
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks! I especially liked that the nymph's butt was pointing up towards the ant. I wish it was in better focus, though. Posted 2 years ago
  3. View Patomarazul's profile
    Patomarazul
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Woow! I knew about the aphids but not about the plant hoppers! Posted 2 years ago
  4. View Calbost Niel's profile
    Calbost Niel
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Great action shot Posted 2 years ago
    1. View Christine Young's profile
      Christine Young
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks! Posted 2 years ago

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The Aster Treehopper

Publilia concava (Say) treehoppers belong to Membracidae family.

Info 17 0
Similar species: True Bugs
Species identified by Christine Young
View Christine Young's profile

By Christine Young

All rights reserved
Uploaded Nov 12, 2022. Captured Sep 17, 2021 11:49 in 91 Main St, Sharon, CT 06069, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,937 9,641 8
  • Canon EOS 90D
  • f/5.6
  • 1/197s
  • ISO100
  • 100mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.