Smiliini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Smiliini: //sˈmɪlɪˌaɪnaɪ//

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Summary

Smiliini is a tribe of treehoppers within the family Membracidae, known for their distinctive morphological traits, particularly in the pronotum. The tribe contains several genera, most characterized by different shapes and structures of the crest on the pronotum. They are primarily found in North America with various habitat preferences, mainly feeding on oaks.

Physical Characteristics

Members of Smiliini exhibit a high degree of sexual dimorphism. Most species have a significantly enlarged pronotum that may obscure other parts of the thorax. Various genera within Smiliini are characterized by distinct morphologies of the pronotum, including the presence of 'windows' and the degree of inflation of the crest.

Identification Tips

Identification can rely on the shape and structure of the pronotum, particularly the crest, which may be bulbous or wedge-shaped, and the presence or absence of 'windows.' Sexual dimorphism may also aid in differentiation between male and female specimens.

Habitat

Smiliini is distributed predominantly in the Nearctic region, with many species being found in diverse environments across North America. Some species are specifically found in desert areas of the Southwest and northern Mexico, while others inhabit areas of the eastern U.S.

Distribution

Primarily found in the Nearctic region, with various species throughout the United States and Canada, excluding the Northwestern regions for some genera.

Diet

Many species feed on oaks. Specific diets may vary depending on the genus and species within the tribe.

Life Cycle

Information on the specific life cycle traits of Smiliini is not detailed in the provided data, but typically includes nymphal stages before reaching adulthood.

Ecosystem Role

Functions as herbivores, impacting plant communities by feeding on sap and playing a role in the food web as prey for various predators.

Economic Impact

Specific economic impact details are not provided, but as treehoppers, their feeding may have implications for the health of certain plants and trees, particularly oaks.

Misconceptions

The distinction between the genera Cyrtolobus and Xantholobus can be confusing as both have similar characteristics but differ in aspects such as the inflation of the pronotum and the presence of windows.

Tags

• hemiptera
• treehoppers
• Smiliini
• herbivores
• Nearctic