Umbonia

Burmeister, 1835

Thorn Treehoppers

Species Guides

1

Umbonia is a of treehoppers in the Membracidae, characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications that form thorn-like or horn-like projections. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropics, with distributed from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Members of this genus exhibit subsocial , with females providing extended parental care to nymphal offspring. Several species, particularly Umbonia crassicornis, have been studied intensively for their complex maternal care systems involving between mothers and offspring. The genus includes approximately 16 described species, with Umbonia crassicornis being the most commonly encountered and economically significant species.

Umbonia by no rights reserved, uploaded by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.Umbonia antigua by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Umbonia antigua by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Umbonia: //ʌmˈboʊniə//

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Identification

in the Umbonia are distinguished from other membracid genera by their elongated, pointed pronotal processes that project posteriorly or dorsally, often resembling plant thorns. The pronotum is greatly expanded and modified, extending backward over the and wings. is pronounced in several species, with females typically bearing longer and more robust pronotal spines than males. The body is relatively large for membracids, with reaching 11–13 mm in length. Species-level identification requires examination of pronotal shape, spine length and curvature, and coloration patterns.

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Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forest environments, including secondary growth and urban ornamental plantings. occupy a range of plants, primarily woody trees and shrubs.

Distribution

Central America, South America, and southern Florida (United States). The reaches its northern distributional limit in Florida, where freezing temperatures limit range expansion.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on plant sap; specific host plant associations include leguminous trees, particularly Pithecellobium dulce.

Host Associations

  • Pithecellobium dulce - primary favorite for Umbonia crassicornis in Puerto Rico and Florida
  • Leguminosae - primarily attacks leguminous trees

Life Cycle

Females deposit a single mass and remain with the eggs. Prior to hatching, females create spiral bark slits with the ovipositor; first instar nymphs aggregate along these slits. Females guard nymphs until they reach adulthood, using front to retrieve wandering nymphs. Nymphal development occurs in ; aggregations fragment upon sexual maturity.

Behavior

Highly subsocial with extended maternal care. Nymphs produce substrate-borne vibrational signals in synchronized bursts that elicit maternal antipredator . Mothers respond to offspring signals with defensive behaviors including body rocking and alarm signaling. Females produce simple pulse-type vibrational alarm signals when disturbed, causing nymphs to move to sheltered positions on the underside of leaves. Males exhibit mate guarding behavior, remaining with females after copulation to prevent rival mating. Mating occurs at natal sites with sibling mating common in some .

Ecological Role

Herbivore that feeds on phloem sap; secretes honeydew that supports growth and may attract tending ants. Subsocial represents an unusual strategy among Hemiptera.

Human Relevance

Umbonia crassicornis is considered a pest of ornamental trees in Puerto Rico and Florida, causing twig and branch damage and reducing aesthetic value through honeydew secretion and associated . The female's pronotal spine can cause injury to barefoot individuals. Controlled using including diazinon, sevin, malathion, and endosulfan.

Similar Taxa

  • other Membracidae generaUmbonia is distinguished by its elongated posteriorly-projecting pronotal spine and pronounced in spine length; other may have different pronotal modifications (e.g., globular, foliaceous, or -mimicking forms) or lack the distinctive thorn-like projection
  • Cyphoniaboth have elaborate pronotal modifications, but Cyphonia typically exhibits -mimicking forms with paired globular processes rather than single spines
  • Heteronotusalso -mimicking with bizarre pronotal shapes, but lacks the characteristic elongated thorn-like projection of Umbonia

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