Brazilian Treehopper vs Ant-attended Treehopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brazilian Treehopper Ant-attended Treehopper
Scientific Name Bocydium globulare Publilia concava
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Membracidae Membracidae
Size 5-8 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions South America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brazilian Treehopper

One of the most bizarre insects alive — its helmet has bulbous globular projections resembling a tiny helicopter. The structures may confuse predators about the insects true shape.

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Did You Know?

The treehoppers wild head ornaments are made from a modified pronotum — these structures evolved from wing-like precursors and are unlike anything else in the insect world.

Ant-attended Treehopper

A small North American treehopper commonly tended by ants that harvest its honeydew secretions. In return, attending ants protect it from predators and parasitoids.

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Did You Know?

Studies show that ant-tended colonies have significantly higher survival rates than untended ones, proving the mutualism is real.