Ant-Mimicking Treehopper vs Clown Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant-Mimicking Treehopper Clown Bug
Scientific Name Cyphonia clavata Mictis profana
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Membracidae Coreidae
Size 6-9 mm 20-25 mm
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions Central America, South America Australia
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Clown Bug

A large Australian coreid bug also known as the crusader bug for the cross-shaped pattern on its back. It is a common garden visitor.

💡

Did You Know?

The white cross pattern on its folded wings gives it the alternate name 'crusader bug' in Australia.