Membracinae

Membracinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Membracinae: /mɛmˈbreɪsɪniː/

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

Images

Oak Treehopper - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Oak Treehopper - Platycotis vittata, Julie Metz Wetlands, Woodbridge, Virginia (24721017537) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Nymphs of enchenopa binotata by Djocson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Oak Treehopper - Flickr - treegrow (5) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Amyot C.J.B.1843 Histoire naturelle des insectes. Hemipteres. Planche X by Amyot et Audinet Serville, numérisation Broken Rusk. Used under a Public domain license.
Two-marked Treehopper (Enchenopa binotata) (18618746873) by Andrew C. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Membracinae is a diverse subfamily of treehoppers, with over 40 genera found primarily in temperate and tropical regions, recognized for their unique shapes and feeding habits as sap-sucking herbivores.

Physical Characteristics

Treehoppers in the subfamily Membracinae are known for their distinctive body shapes, often resembling thorns or plant materials.

Identification Tips

Look for their characteristic shape and the presence of a large pronotum that extends over their bodies, often with intricate patterns or textures.

Habitat

Primarily found in temperate and tropical regions, often inhabiting trees and shrubs where they can feed and lay eggs.

Distribution

Throughout most of the New World, primarily in temperate and tropical areas.

Diet

Members of Membracinae feed on plant sap, primarily from various tree and shrub species.

Life Cycle

Details on the exact life cycle stages can vary, but generally, it includes egg, nymph, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproductive methods are not specifically detailed, but like other hemipterans, they likely reproduce via mating and laying eggs on plants.

Predators

Common predators include birds, wasps, and other predatory insects.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in the ecosystem as herbivores, influencing plant health and serving as prey for various predators.

Collecting Methods

  • Aspirators
  • Sweep nets
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinning specimens

Evolution

Studies on evolution indicate that Membracinae have a diverse evolutionary history related to their adaptations to plant-sucking lifestyles.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other sap-sucking insects like leafhoppers or aphids, but their unique morphology sets them apart.

Tags

  • insect
  • treehopper
  • hemiptera
  • Membracinae