Unknown bugs
Location: Rio Pindayo, near Curimana, Ucayali, Peru
February 5, 2011 2:51 am
Can anyone please help to identify these bugs seen in Peru?
Signature: Peter Bruce-Jones
Treehoppers
Hi Peter,
We believe that these are Treehoppers in the family Membracidae, though we would not rule out that they are Free Living Hemipterans in another family. We will work more on a species identification for you. It appears as though the individual in the upper left corner is giving live birth to a nymph. Many Hemipterans, including Aphids, are able to reproduce asexually, with females producing genetic clones of themselves without the need for a male of the species.
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Location: Peru
What a fantastic image! Note the ant in the lower right corner [its body is obscured by the twig], which is most likely there in order to ‘tend’ or ‘milk’ the insects: maybe it’s more a matter of protection in exchange for sustenance.
Best,
Dave