Horned Treehopper: Mutualism with Ants
Leptocentrus Taurus, commonly called the horned treehopper, belongs to the family Membracidae, which is related to cicadas and leafhoppers.
Most treehoppers have unusual characteristics; they are insects with strange physical appearances and so fascinated. Leptocentrus taurus has three horns; two short horns on the right and left sides, and a long central horn that curves backward.
The horned treehopper is common on giant sensitive plants where the sap contained in the stems is a favorite feed for this insect to suck.
Look at that, there's another leg there. Whose leg is that?
It seems to have friends from a different species, or could it be its enemies?
No, they are not enemies but the horned treehopper's bodyguards. The ants come to protect the horned treehopper from predators. Of course, that's not a free security service. There must be mutualism between the boss and his guards!
The treehopper that ingests large amounts of phloem (plant sap) will excrete a sweet substance called "honeydew." Black ants feed on the sweet substance and, in return, provide the treehopper with protection from predators.
Very interesting post!
Thanks @jaki01. It was a coincidental observation but it added to our insight.