Typical Treehoppers

Membracidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Membracidae: //mɛmˈbræsɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Centrotoscelus borneensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Gargara minuta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Telamona fagi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Cryptaspidia minuta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Gargara minuta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Heliria gibberata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Membracidae, or typical treehoppers, are a diverse family of sap-feeding insects known for their unusual morphology and mutualistic behaviors, particularly with ants, which can provide them with protection and enhance their survival.

Physical Characteristics

Treehoppers, or thorn bugs, are characterized by an enlarged and ornate pronotum that often resembles plant thorns, providing camouflage. Their body length ranges from 2 to 20 mm, with most species being less than 12 mm. They possess tube-like mouthparts unique to piercing plant stems.

Identification Tips

Look for their distinctive enlarged pronotum that extends back over the abdomen and often covers the head. The unique shapes may resemble thorns or other plant structures. Nymphs can be recognized by the tube-like ninth abdominal segment.

Habitat

Treehoppers are generally found on trees and shrubs, with some species inhabiting herbaceous plants.

Distribution

Treehoppers are found on all continents except Antarctica, with a very limited number of species (only five) known from Europe.

Diet

They feed on plant sap using their specialized piercing mouthparts.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in the cambium or live tissue of stems in the spring, and they hatch into nymphs that drop to the ground.

Reproduction

Females use a saw-like ovipositor to lay eggs, which may be parasitized by wasps. Some females exhibit protective behaviors over their eggs, including buzzing their wings to ward off potential predators.

Predators

Natural predators include various insectivorous animals, including birds and predatory insects, as well as their mutualistic relationships with ants which provide protection.

Ecosystem Role

Treehoppers play a crucial role in ecosystems as herbivores that facilitate plant growth through their interactions with other species, particularly ants and other insects that are attracted to their honeydew.

Economic Impact

Only a few species are considered pests; most cause minor damage primarily through egg-laying. Notable pests include Umbonia crassicornis and Stictocephala bisonia.

Health Concerns

Most species are innocuous, although certain species can be minor pests of crops such as alfalfa.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting or sweeping vegetation during daytime
  • Using pitfall traps for nymphs

Preservation Methods

  • Drying specimens
  • Ethanol preservation for genetic studies

Evolution

The family Membracidae exhibits diverse evolutionary adaptations, particularly in their pronotal structures, which may have evolved for protection and camouflage.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Despite some being called 'thorn bugs,' not all treehopper species pose threats to plants, and many live in mutualistic relationships with ants which protect them.

Tags

  • Insects
  • Herbivores
  • Hemiptera
  • Mutualism
  • Plant interaction