Atymna

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Membracoidea
Family: Membracidae
Subfamily: Smiliinae
Tribe: Smiliini
Genus: Atymna

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Atymna: /əˈtɪmnə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Atymna gigantea by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Atymna reticulata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Atymna pilosa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Atymna is a genus of treehoppers within the family Membracidae, containing several distinct species characterized by unique morphological features, particularly related to the shape of their pronotum crest and variable coloration.

Physical Characteristics

Atymna species are characterized by a distinctive wedge-like crest on the pronotum that is tallest in front and tapers gradually towards the back. The color pattern can be quite variable, influenced by age and seasonality, with some species exhibiting extreme sexual dimorphism.

Identification Tips

The shape of the crest is a key diagnostic feature; eastern species have a short, wedge-like crest. The western species A. reticulata and A. simplex may be confused with Cyrtolobus. To differentiate species, compare the lateral and dorsal habitus, especially color patterns.

Habitat

Primarily found in areas where their host plants grow, which include species such as Castanea, Quercus, Carya, and Vitis.

Distribution

Atymna species are found primarily in the New World, particularly across the eastern and southwestern United States.

Diet

As herbivores, Atymna species feed on the sap of their host plants, particularly various species of trees such as chestnut and oak.

Life Cycle

Information on the specific life cycles of Atymna is limited; however, they undergo incomplete metamorphosis like other hemipterans, transitioning from nymphs to adults.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive behaviors are not detailed in this text, but like other treehoppers, they likely engage in oviposition on or near their host plants.

Conservation Status

Some species, such as Atymna inornata, may be extinct or extirpated from most of their range due to habitat loss and other factors.

Ecosystem Role

Atymna species play a role as herbivores in their ecosystems, potentially influencing plant health and serving as food for predators.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some Atymna species may be confused with other genera of treehoppers due to similar physical characteristics; attention to the specific shape of the pronotum and color patterns is necessary for accurate identification.