The thorn mimic treehopper (Leptocentrus taurus), a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, was first recorded in 1775 by the Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius (1745 – 1808). They mimic thorns as a life-saving camouflage
These thorn-like creatures do not move when touched, but when threatened, they will use special muscles on their hind femora to leap away in an instant. Both males and females also tremble and jump during courtship.
Ants raise these creatures as their own ‘cows’, and the ants collect ‘honey’ by stroking them. Without this honey, the queen and the larvae in the anthill would starve. If the ants do not collect the honey that is produced, the honey will become moldy, and these ‘cows’ will die.
Although there is a perception in some places that these are harmful to agriculture, a study conducted in Karnataka has shown that one of these species, Leptocentrus taurus, is a biological control agent in controlling the poisonous plant Parthenium hysterophorus.
– Vincent Vanur
