About this episode

This episode explores thorn bugs, their mimicry, anatomy, and relationships with ants.

This episode explores thorn bugs (treehoppers), tiny true bugs that mimic plant parts with exaggerated pronotums—spines, horns, and crests—that make them look like thorns, seed pods, or broken twigs. You’ll learn about their unusual anatomy, incomplete metamorphosis, communal nymphs, maternal care, and mutualisms with ants that protect them in exchange for honeydew. Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46499107 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InsectsforFun IG: https://www.instagram.com/insects4fun/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085443614825 Email: Insectsfordummies@gmail.com Discord -> https://discord.gg/pDJH3CYcG6

More episodes of Insects for Fun!

• Ensign Wasps! (The Roach Hunters) · May 5, 2026 · 11 min
• Nature's most obnoxious vampires! (Horeseflies and Deerflies) · March 31, 2026 · 15 min
• Myth Busting Craneflies! · March 16, 2026 · 16 min
• Dragon Headed Katydids! · March 3, 2026 · 9 min
• The Monsters Within! Strepsiptera and Tarsonemid Mites (Internal Hosts of Insects) · February 18, 2026 · 13 min
• Insects That Shouldn’t Exist: Life on the Edge of Survival! · February 9, 2026 · 13 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Insects for Fun! podcast page.