Hoplophorionini

Hoplophorionini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hoplophorionini: /hɒpləfɔːrɪˈoʊnɪnaɪ/

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

Images

Oak Treehopper - Platycotis vittata, Meadowood Farm SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia (38440949504) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Thorn Treehopper - Umbonia crassicornis, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Thorn Treehopper - Umbonia crassicornis, Oasis Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Umbonia crassicornis (F. Membracidae) (2532975946) by Marshal Hedin from San Diego. 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.
Umbonia crassicornis (F Membracidae) by Marshal Hedin. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Hoplophorionini is a tribe within the family Membracidae, encompassing five species in two genera in our area. Platycotis vittata is a key representative species, specializing in oak trees and exhibiting parental care.

Physical Characteristics

Platycotis vittata, known as the oak treehopper, displays a distinct body shape that is common to treehoppers. It is characterized by its green to brown coloration which aids in camouflage against oak bark.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive shape and coloration of the oak treehopper, usually found on oak trees. Adults can be identified through their protective behavior towards nymphs.

Habitat

Primarily found in oak forests and areas where oak trees are present, as it is an oak specialist.

Distribution

Ranges from Canada to Chile, predominant in North America.

Diet

Feeds on the sap of oak trees using its specialized mouthparts to pierce plant tissues.

Life Cycle

Undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, with egg, nymph, and adult stages; nymphs remain with adults for care and protection.

Reproduction

Parental care is exhibited as adults protect their nymphs from predators and environmental stresses.

Ecosystem Role

As a sap-feeding insect, it plays a role in the energy transfer within its ecosystem and serves as a food source for various predators.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting adults off oak trees
  • Collecting nymphs with plant samples

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning adults
  • Preserving nymphs in ethanol

Misconceptions

Some may confuse treehoppers with more harmful insects due to their protective posture, but they are primarily harmless.

Tags

  • Hoplophorionini
  • treehopper
  • Platycotis vittata
  • oak specialist
  • Membracidae