Keeled Treehopper

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Entylia carinata: /ɛnˈtaɪliə ˌkærɪˈneɪtə/

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Summary

Entylia carinata, commonly known as the keeled treehopper, is a small treehopper species characterized by its distinctive saddle-shaped keels. They are often found on a variety of herbaceous plants and exhibit mutualism with ant species, which protect them in exchange for honeydew.

Physical Characteristics

Keeled treehoppers have unique saddle shaped keels, small and brown, with females averaging 6.35 mm long and males being slightly smaller with less noticeable keels.

Identification Tips

Males can sometimes be misidentified due to their variation in appearance compared to females.

Habitat

Leaf litter and debris during winter; found on a variety of herbaceous plants, especially within the Asteraceae family.

Distribution

Canada, eastern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America.

Diet

Phloem feeders; diet consists mainly of plant sap from various herbaceous plants, particularly Asteraceae.

Life Cycle

Adults spend the winter months in leaf litter and emerge in March. They reproduce by implanting their eggs on aster leaves, where they may cause the leaves to fold over to protect the nymphs.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on aster foliage during vulnerable growth periods.

Ecosystem Role

Keeled treehoppers are phloem feeders and contribute to plant interactions, often involving ant mutualism.

Economic Impact

Not known to transmit plant diseases and not considered significant plant pests.

Similar Taxa

• Entylia emarginata

Misconceptions

Males can appear so different from females that they may be misidentified.

Tags

• Keeled Treehopper
• Entylia carinata
• Membracidae
• Hemiptera