A novel relationship between ants and a leafhopper (Hymenoptera: Formicidae; Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

From: European Journal of Entomology | Date: January 1, 2004| Author: Steiner, Florian M; Schlick-Steiner, Birgit C; Holzinger, Werner; Komposch, Christian; Et al | Copyright information

Key words. Araneae, Auchenorrhyncha, ant-leafhopper relationship, honeydew, insect-insect interactions, mutualism, Cicadellidae, Formicidae, Balclutha punctata, Calamagrostis epigejos

Abstract. Ten ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from three subfamilies feed on honeydew excreted by nymphs of the leafhopper Balclutha punctata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). This relationship is facultative for the partners. Preliminary field observations suggest a mutualistic interaction that represents...

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