Treehoppers use piercing-sucking
mouthparts to feed on tree sap. After
digestion, what remains is a sugar-rich
sticky liquid (known as honeydew), which
attracts ants. In this mutualistic relationship,
the treehopper receives protection.
Therefore, it is common to see ants
patrolling the area around treehoppers. In
this image, an ant is standing on a
treehopper. It is as if the ant is
communicating to the treehopper: “Lift up
your wing and let me conduct a search to
make sure you are not hiding any
honeydew.”