Pharsalus repandus (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) with mutualistic interaction with two species of Camponotus

The ants who were attending the planthoppers was identified as Camponotus rufipes (Fabricius, 1775) and Camponotus crassus Mayr, 1862 (Fig. 2A, D, arrow 2). We noted direct contact and observed the ants employing antennal palpation behavior to stimulate the planthoppers. The ant positions itself just behind the planthopper, delicately and repeatedly touching its wings with the tips of its antennae. In response to this interaction, the planthopper gradually elevates its forewings, although they do not fully open, and the anal margins remain unseparated. Concurrently, a droplet of honeydew is released. Additionally, we observed the planthoppers reacting to the presence of ants walking nearby with an extremely rapid movement of the wings, even though there was no physical contact between them.