Treehoppers

Definition

Members of the family Membracidae, a diverse lineage of sap-feeding hemipteran insects distinguished by an enlarged, often elaborately sculptured pronotum that extends over the thorax and sometimes the abdomen. The pronotal extensions range from simple keels to bizarre thorn-like, bulbous, or antler-shaped projections that provide camouflage and defense. Treehoppers feed on phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts and are frequently tended by ants that harvest their honeydew. The family comprises roughly 3,200 described species in more than 400 genera, with highest diversity in tropical regions; only five species occur in Europe.

Etymology

From the habit of perching on woody vegetation and the hopping escape response typical of many membracid species.

Example

The buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala bisonia), an introduced species in Europe, uses its enlarged pronotum to mimic plant thorns while feeding on rosaceous trees and shrubs.

Synonyms

• thorn bugs
• membracids

Related Terms

• Membracidae
• Leafhoppers
• Cicadas
• pronotum
• phloem feeding
• honeydew
• ant mutualism
• Hemiptera
• Auchenorrhyncha

Usage Notes

The common name 'thorn bugs' refers specifically to the pronounced pronotal projections in many species, though not all treehoppers bear thorn-like structures. Distinguished from leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) by the enlarged pronotum and reduced hind-wing venation. The family Membracidae is sometimes treated as a subfamily within Cicadellidae in older classifications, but modern phylogenetics supports family rank.