Ant-Mimicking Treehopper vs December Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant-Mimicking Treehopper December Moth
Scientific Name Cyphonia clavata Poecilocampa populi
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Membracidae Lasiocampidae
Size 6-9 mm 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Parks
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Central America, South America Europe
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.

December Moth

A dark, hairy moth that flies in the coldest months of the year, from November to January. Its cold-season activity is an adaptation to avoid parasitoids and predators.

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Did You Know?

Males fly actively on freezing nights, using antifreeze proteins in their blood to stay airborne.