Distinguished from other Stictocephala species by the paired pronotal horns. The brown coloration and moderate size (8–9 mm) help separate it from smaller or more brightly colored membracid species. The horn structure differs from the single horn or keeled pronota seen in related species such as Stictocephala bisonia.

Adults measure 8–9 mm in length with brown coloration. The most distinctive feature is the pair of prominent horns projecting from the pronotum, which gives the species its common name. As a member of Membracidae, it possesses the enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronotum characteristic of treehoppers.

Inhabits temperate and hardwood forests. Associated with forest edges and understory vegetation where host plants occur.

Eastern North America, including southeastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, and adjacent provinces), the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast United States. Disjunct populations occur in western states including Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and additional records from Alberta and British Columbia.

Primarily feeds on American black elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis). Has been observed on additional flowering plants in families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, and Rosaceae.

• Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis - primary food sourceAmerican black elderberry

Phloem-feeding herbivore that extracts plant sap. Its feeding activity may influence nutrient cycling in forest understory communities, though specific ecological impacts have not been quantified.

No significant documented economic or agricultural impact. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and entomologists in forest habitats.

• Stictocephala bisoniaSimilar size and brown coloration, but possesses a single median pronotal horn rather than paired horns, and shows different host plant preferences.

• treehopper
• Membracidae
• North America
• phloem-feeder
• forest insect

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life