Photo by javier_aznar_photography | Three ants fiercely protect a female treehopper, Horiola picta, as she guards eggs. Some treehoppers have developed a relationship with certain species of ants, bees, and wasps. These insects provide protections against predators, and the treehoppers in exchange give them honeydew, rich in carbohydrates. So any predator trying to attack the treehoppers will be attacked by a fiery group of ants. If you want to learn more about these weird animals, check my story "Inside the world of treehoppers, mini-marvels of the rainforest," published in the March 2019 issue of National Geographic. Follow javier_aznar_photography for more stories about the natural world. #treehoppers #bodyguard #ants