Ant-Mimicking Treehopper vs Birch Catkin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant-Mimicking Treehopper Birch Catkin Bug
Scientific Name Cyphonia clavata Kleidocerys resedae
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Membracidae Lygaeidae
Size 6-9 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Predators Seed Feeders
Regions Central America, South America Europe, northern Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ant-Mimicking Treehopper

A treehopper with a pronotal projection shaped like an ant sitting on its back. The ant mimic is thought to deter predators from attacking.

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Did You Know?

The "ant" on its back is actually a hollow extension of its pronotum viewed from certain angles.

Birch Catkin Bug

A small, oval brown seed bug that feeds on birch and alder catkins. It is very common in northern Europe and can form large swarms in autumn. It sometimes enters buildings in large numbers seeking overwintering shelter.

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Did You Know?

In autumn, enormous swarms of thousands can descend on buildings near birch trees, alarming homeowners despite the bugs being completely harmless.