Enchenopa

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Membracoidea
Family: Membracidae
Subfamily: Membracinae
Tribe: Membracini
Genus: Enchenopa

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Enchenopa: /ɛn.kəˈnoʊ.pə/

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

Images

Enchenopa ansera by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Enchenopa tatei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Enchenopa is a genus of treehoppers belonging to the family Membracidae, consisting of more than 50 described species. The E. binotata species complex is noted for its host specificity and ongoing discoveries of undescribed species.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the Enchenopa genus exhibit diverse forms, particularly evident in the differences between species like E. latipes and E. sericea.

Identification Tips

Identifying members of the Enchenopa binotata-complex can be aided by obtaining host plant information, as many species are host-specific.

Habitat

Primarily found in eastern U.S. and Canada, as well as the southwestern states.

Distribution

The distribution of Enchenopa spans from Canada to Argentina, with predominant occurrences in the eastern U.S. and southwestern regions.

Diet

Members of the genus feed on a variety of herbaceous and woody plants, with some species displaying host specificity.

Life Cycle

Details on the life cycle are not provided, but it includes nymph and adult stages; nymphs and egg masses have been observed for different species.

Reproduction

Reproductive details are not specified; however, genetic studies suggest some species may have distinct reproductive behaviors or calls.

Ecosystem Role

As treehoppers, members of the Enchenopa genus play a role in their ecosystem as herbivores and as prey for various predators.

Evolution

The genus underwent a major revision in 2014, which clarified the number of described species and highlighted the complexity of the E. binotata species complex.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There are many undescribed species in the genus, making identification challenging; many may be confused due to morphological similarities.