treehoppers from the spiders. Use The Figure Above To Answer The Following Question. Researchers hypothesized that the ants would protect the. "There are more than 3,000 known species in the treehopper family, but two treehopper groups, comprising of 71 species, have evolved to look like a stinging, biting predator." It gets weirder though. He believes the scary-looking insect derived its name from living and hopping between plants and trees, sometimes masquerading as a predator and using other insects to ensure its longevity. Pests. [45] [46] Phloem sap is a sugary liquid low in amino acids, so insects have to process large quantities to meet their nutritional requirements. Sap-feeding insects like treehoppers and the related aphids produce a sugary excrement called honeydew, which you'll now think about whenever you eat honeydew, and which ants are crazy for. "There are thousands of insects that imitate other insects as a means of survival, but none are quite like the harmless treehopper," said Dr. McKamey. Normally though, it won't care too much. Researchers hypothesized that the ants would protect the treehoppers from the spiders. They are sometimes called insect brownies because of their elflike appearance. Treehoppers actually have a pretty nice relationship with ants, because they produce a sugary excrement called honeydew that ants and some other bugs absolutely love. Phloem feeders produce honeydew from their anus. Ants ward off predators while treehoppers do their best to camouflage the group so … Treehoppers make up a group of more than 3500 described species of plant-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera. ARS Entomologist Dr. Stu McKamey has studied this group of insects for 36 years and is considered the world authority on treehoppers. This literally means that ants drink out of a treehopper's rear end. Treehoppers have a major predator, the jumping spider. Sometimes treehoppers get help from ants and other insects that provide protection in exchange for honeydew, a sweet liquid treehoppers secrete as a product of constantly drawing plant sap. Treehoppers have a major predator, the jumping spider. Ants like to eat the honeydew, keeping the treehoppers' homes clean. Adult treehopper. A variety of organisms that feed on honeydew form symbiotic associations with phloem-feeders. Treehoppers Have A Major Predator, The Jumping Spider. A number of tiny chewing insects congregate on various parts of leaves and buds to produce honeydew. Treehoppers (a type of insect) produce honeydew, which ants use for food. In an experiment, researchers followed study plots with ants removed from the system and compared them to a control plot. In an experiment, researchers followed study plots with ants removed from the system and compared them to a control plot. Treehoppers (a Type Of Insect) Produce Honeydew, Which Ants Use For Food. Treehoppers (a type of insect) produce honeydew, which ants use for food. They are found on all continents except Antarctica; only five species are known from Europe. Of the three treehopper families, Membracidae is by far the most diverse (428 genera and more than 3450 species), followed by Aetalionidae (6 genera, 42 species), and Melizoderidae (2 … Treehopper, (family Membracidae), any of approximately 3,200 species of insects (order Homoptera) that are easily recognized by their vertical face and grotesquely enlarged thorax, which may extend anteriorly over the head to form one or more spines and expands posteriorly over the body to form a hoodlike covering. Treehoppers (more precisely typical treehoppers to distinguish them from the Aetalionidae) and thorn bugs are members of the family Membracidae, a group of insects related to the cicadas and the leafhoppers.About 3,200 species of treehoppers in over 400 genera are known. Question: Plants With Ants Average Number Of Young Treehoppers Per Plant Plants Without Ants 10 15 August 20 25 30 5 July 9.