Photo Feature
Mutualism vs parasitism
<p><strong>Mutualism vs parasitism:</strong> Ants and treehoppers share a mutualistic bond – the ants feast on sugary secretions from the hopper, while guarding it from predators. However, the treehopper is not free from threats. Flaming orange mites parasitise it, feeding on its hemolymph through piercing mouthparts, targeting joints and thinner areas of its exoskeleton. The ants may protect the hopper from predators, but not from these parasitic invaders.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Photo: Vishwananth Birje/Sanctuary Photolibrary.</span></strong></p>