Micrutalis calva
(Say, 1830)
Honeylocust Treehopper
Micrutalis calva is a North American in the Membracidae, commonly known as the Honeylocust Treehopper. It is a herbivore that feeds on numerous plant species across diverse families. Unlike many treehoppers that specialize on woody , this species is restricted to herbaceous plants. Nymphs have been specifically observed on Vernonia flowers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Micrutalis calva: /mɪˈkruːtəlɪs ˈkælvə/
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Identification
Distinguishing features for this are not documented in available sources. As a member of Micrutalini, it likely exhibits the enlarged pronotum characteristic of treehoppers, but species-level diagnostic traits require examination by a .
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Habitat
Associated with herbaceous vegetation rather than woody plants. Observed in disturbed and open where plants such as ragweed, sunflower, and alfalfa occur.
Distribution
Recorded from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, and District of Columbia. Broader North American distribution inferred from plant records and collection data.
Diet
Feeds on numerous plants including ragweed (Ambrosia), sunflower (Helianthus), wormwood (Artemisia), sycamore (Platanus), alfalfa (Medicago), honeylocust (Gleditsia), and silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium). Nymphs specifically observed on flowers of Vernonia.
Host Associations
- Ambrosia - food plantragweed
- Helianthus - food plantsunflower
- Artemisia - food plantwormwood
- Platanus - food plantsycamore
- Medicago - food plantalfalfa
- Gleditsia - food planthoneylocust
- Solanum elaeagnifolium - food plantsilverleaf nightshade
- Vernonia - food plantnymphs specifically on flowers
Similar Taxa
- Other Micrutalis speciescongeneric treehoppers with similar pronotal ; require examination of genitalia or other subtle features for separation
- Other Membracidaetreehoppers share enlarged pronotum and xylem-feeding habits; assignment based on tribal characteristics
More Details
Taxonomic note
Originally described as Membracis calva by Thomas Say in 1830, later transferred to Micrutalis.
Ecological note
The restriction to herbaceous is notable among treehoppers, as many membracid are associated with woody plants.