# @natgeo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CZeSuHqJBzt
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/11681643-natgeo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/88a475b053.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-02-02T11:31:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Geographic (@NatGeo) — https://gondola.cc/NatGeo

## Caption

Photo by javier_aznar_photography | A mother treehopper, Alchisme grossa, guards her young on the stem of a plant in the Ecuadorian Chocó region. This treehopper's "helmet," a spiny projection, is used to dissuade predators as the treehopper twists to stab with its spine any animal that tries to attack the nymphs. Many treehoppers care for their offspring, conferring a great advantage for developing nymphs and against predators. 

If you want to read and learn more about these little creatures, check my story "Inside the world of treehoppers, mini-marvels of the rainforest," published in the March 2019 issue of National Geographic. Read more at the link in bio.

Follow javier_aznar_photography to learn more about the weirdest and smallest animals. 
#treehopper #Ecuador #animals #wildlife #insects

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## Tags

ecuador, insects, animals, wildlife, treehopper

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