First reports of species-specific ant resemblance in heteronotine treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Heteronotinae)

Abstract

Species-specific ant resemblance in heteronotine membracids (Hemiptera: Membracidae) is reported for the first time, providing evidence for ant mimicry. The shape, integument color and shine of the pronotal process of females of Heteronotus fabulosus Boulard closely resemble workers of the cooccurring giant turtle ant Cephalotes atratus (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The entire membracid appears to mimic a mutualistic relationship between a membracid and a turtle ant.