Micrutalis is a of treehoppers in the Membracidae, containing at least 30 described distributed throughout the Americas. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized treehoppers characterized by their distinctive pronotal . Several species have been documented as of plant , including , which transmits Pseudo-Curly Top Virus. The genus exhibits plant associations primarily with herbaceous plants, including species in Solanaceae.

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Habitat

in this occupy diverse environments across the Americas, from coastal islands to inland regions. Specific preferences vary by species; for example, has been documented on Sapelo Island, Georgia in coastal island environments. Micrutalis calva is restricted to herbaceous plant .

Distribution

The Micrutalis occurs throughout the Americas, with distributed from North America through Central and South America. Documented U.S. records include Vermont and various southern states. Specific distribution records include: Sapelo Island, Georgia for M. malleifera; first U.S. records documented for M. pallens.

Host Associations

  • Solanum elaeagnifolium - Silverleaf nightshade; documented for Micrutalis calva
  • Physalis walteri - Documented plant for on Sapelo Island, Georgia
  • Solanaceae - -level association; several Micrutalis use solanaceous plants as

Ecological Role

Some act as of plant . is a documented vector of Pseudo-Curly Top Virus, a plant pathogen affecting crop plants.

Human Relevance

has economic significance as a of Pseudo-Curly Top Virus, which affects agricultural crops. The virus transmission capability of this has been studied in agricultural contexts.

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