Trophobiotic relationships between ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Tettigometridae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) in the grey dunes of Belgium

V. S Lehouck, D. B Bonte, W Dekoninck, Jean-Pierre Maelfait

    Research output: Contribution to journalA1: Web of Science-articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    We recorded the association between the planthopper Tettigometra laetus Herrich-Schäffer, 1835 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha Tettigometridae) and three ant species belonging to the subfamilies Myrmicinae and Formicinae in a coastal dune area of Flanders (Belgium). Lasius psammophilus Seifert, Tetramorium caespitum L. and Formica cunicularia Latreille were observed attending and palpating the dorsal glandular area of this planthopper, taking honeydew directly from its anus, herding them and carrying them into their nests when disturbed. The planthopper was rarely found in the absence of ants and probably develops within ant nests, which may provide protection against predation and adverse weather conditions. The natural history of temperate ant-hemipteran relationships is discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalEuropean Journal of Entomology
    Volume101
    Issue number4
    Pages (from-to)547-553
    Number of pages7
    Publication statusPublished - 2004

    Thematic list

    • Insects

    EWI Biomedical sciences

    • B005-zoology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Trophobiotic relationships between ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Tettigometridae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) in the grey dunes of Belgium'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this