Membracinae

Rafinesque, 1815

treehoppers

Tribe Guides

Membracinae is a of treehoppers in the Membracidae, comprising more than 40 predominantly distributed in the Americas. Members are characterized by highly modified, often elaborate pronotal extensions that vary dramatically in form among genera. The subfamily includes tribes such as Membracini, Aconophorini, Hoplophorionini, and Hypsoprorini, with the genus Umbonia being particularly diverse and widespread from the southern United States through South America.

Tylopelta gibbera by no rights reserved, uploaded by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.

Aconophora by (c) James Niland, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Aconophora by (c) Bruce Cathie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce Cathie. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Membracinae: /mɛmˈbreɪsɪniː/

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Identification

Membracinae can be distinguished from other membracid by the expanded pronotum covering the scutellum; this contrasts with Centrotinae, where the scutellum remains exposed. Within Membracidae, Membracinae is distinguished from Stegaspinae and Smiliinae by specific tribal and generic characteristics rather than single morphological traits. The tribe Hoplophorionini exhibits pronounced in pronotal form, with females often bearing more elaborate structures than males. The Cladonota displays among the most extreme pronotal morphologies in the , with extensions resembling dry leaf or bark fragments.

Images

Habitat

occur in diverse environments from temperate North America through tropical Central and South America. Specific associations include urban areas with abundant trees and shade, forest edges, and vegetation supporting plants. The species Talipes appendiculatus has been documented on lower flowering branches of host plants in shaded conditions.

Distribution

New World distribution, primarily the Americas. Ranges from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America to Chile and Argentina. The Umbonia occurs from the southern United States southward into South America. The tribe Hoplophorionini shows highest generic diversity in Central America but greatest near the equator.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on plant vascular tissues; produces honeydew as a byproduct. Specific feeding documented for Talipes appendiculatus on Cassia fistula (Leguminosae).

Host Associations

Cassia fistula - plantDocumented for Talipes appendiculatus; and immatures found on branches

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous development with five nymphal instars. Documented for Talipes appendiculatus: 1st instar approximately 0.90 mm without pronotal extension or wing pads; 2nd instar approximately 1.80 mm with short pronotal extension and wing pads; 3rd instar approximately 2.15 mm; 4th instar approximately 2.80 mm; 5th instar approximately 3.50 mm. through takes approximately 50 minutes, with wing expansion requiring approximately 70 minutes. are laid in plant tissue.

Behavior

Some exhibit subsocial with in offspring. The tribe Hoplophorionini is apparently subsocial and lacks mutualism with honeydew-collecting hymenopterans; parental care includes specialized kicking defense and construction of extra-ovipositional punctures in tissue through which nymphs feed. Females of Talipes appendiculatus guard masses. Nymphs and of various stages may occur together on host plants. Attended by ants, bees, and that collect honeydew; wasps have been observed touching nymphs with to elicit exudate release.

Ecological Role

Honeydew producers supporting mutualistic relationships with Hymenoptera including ants, bees, and . The tribe Hoplophorionini is exceptional in lacking these mutualisms. May influence plant physiology through phloem feeding and oviposition damage.

Human Relevance

No significant economic importance; primarily of scientific and aesthetic interest due to extraordinary morphological diversity. Collected for research and private collections. Some , such as Umbonia crassicornis, are commonly encountered and relatively well-studied.

Similar Taxa

CentrotinaeDistinguished by exposed scutellum not covered by the expanded pronotum; considered more primitive and occurs in both Old and New Worlds, whereas Membracinae is restricted to the New World
SmiliinaeOverlaps in distribution and includes -mimicking forms such as Poppea setosa; distinguished by tribal characteristics and specific pronotal morphologies
StegaspinaeAnother New World ; distinguished by tribal and generic characteristics rather than single obvious morphological traits

More Details

Taxonomic diversity

The contains more than 40 organized into multiple tribes including Membracini, Aconophorini, Hoplophorionini, and Hypsoprorini. Three new genera (Ramosella, Stirpis, Turrialbia) were described in a 1996 revision of Hoplophorionini.

Pronotal function hypotheses

The elaborate pronotal extensions characteristic of Membracinae have been hypothesized to function in camouflage as thorn or bud mimicry, mimicry in some cases, or aiding in of volatile , though the latter hypothesis lacks experimental support. The mimetic functions remain largely untested empirically.

Evolutionary history

Fossil evidence suggests diversification and subsequent New World radiation began during Tertiary isolation approximately 65 million years ago after South America separated from Africa. Only the primitive subfamily Centrotinae occurs in both Old and New Worlds; all other membracid subfamilies are restricted to the New World.