Heteronotus tree hoppers have a fake "ant" on their backs, presumably to foil predators.

Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
An egg emerges from the abdomen of a Northern Walking  Stick Diapheromera femorata.  The eggs fall to the forest floor where they overwinter before hatching.

Illinois, USA
Heteronotus tree hoppers have a fake "ant" on their backs, presumably to foil predators.

Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Heteronotus tree hoppers have a fake "ant" on their backs, presumably to foil predators.

Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Heteronotus tree hoppers have a fake "ant" on their backs, presumably to foil predators.

Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013