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Insect. Fulgorids are the largest of the planthoppers. They are characterized by wavy, filamentous tails and elaborate head protuberances. There are more than 12,000 fulgorid species. They are avid plant juice suckers. A portion of their digestive systems serves as a filter chamber that processes large volumes of plant sap. The excess water, sugar, and certain amino acids bypass the midgut and pass into the hindgut, eventually excreted as honeydew. In exchange for this honeydew, many species of ants care for and protect the fulgorid. |
