Enchenopa binotata

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Enchenopa binotata: //ɛn.kəˈnoʊ.pə baɪ.noʊˈteɪ.tə//

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

Images

Varying male signals that species of Enchenop binotata make by Djocson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Enchenopa binotata Ptelea signal by Djocson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Enchenopa-binotata-nymphs by Djocson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Bcags1 by Edwin Wilson Cambridge. Used under a Public domain license.

Enchenopa binotata complex by Tamilselvi v. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Nymphs of enchenopa binotata closer by Djocson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Enchenopa binotata is a treehopper species complex known for its morphological similarities and dependency on specific host plants for reproduction and life cycles. Utilizing vibrational communication, males attract females for mating, leading to distinctive life histories tied to the phenology of host plants.

Physical Characteristics

Adults range from 7-9 mm in size with two yellow markings on their back. Nymphs are ≤1 mm and have gray and black coloration; they exhibit 5 instars before molting into adulthood. The species has thorn-like structures called a pronotum on their head.

Identification Tips

Identified by the two yellow markings on the back and their host plant associations. Nymphs can be distinguished by their smaller size and coloration.

Habitat

Primarily found on host plants such as Celastrus scandens and other woody plants.

Distribution

Eastern North America and reported in Central America.

Diet

Sap-feeding; primarily feeds on the sap of specific host plants.

Life Cycle

Nymphs generally take 3–4 weeks to reach adulthood. Life histories vary according to the phenology of host plants. Eggs hatch in response to sap flow in host plants after winter.

Reproduction

Females mate only once and lay eggs in the plant stem using a saw-like ovipositor. Males produce advertisement signals while searching for females.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a sap-sucking insect, influencing plant health and possibly serving as prey for other predators.

Evolution

E. binotata has diverged from closely related species in Central and South America, with differences in host plant utilization and signal frequency.