Cyrtolobus
Cyrtolobus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
- Superfamily: Membracoidea
- Family: Membracidae
- Subfamily: Smiliinae
- Tribe: Smiliini
- Genus: Cyrtolobus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtolobus: //sɪɹˈtɒləbəs//
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Images
Summary
Cyrtolobus is a genus of treehoppers comprising over 50 species, primarily found in North and Central America. Their distinctive features include a highly variable pronotum and sexual dimorphism, making identification challenging without proper specimens.
Physical Characteristics
Pronotum greatly enlarged and may obscure the thoracic plates; presence of 'windows' and variability in coloration.
Identification Tips
Use a specimen rather than photographs for accurate identification; sexual dimorphism is prevalent; shape and features of the pronotum are important for differentiation.
Habitat
Primarily associated with Quercus spp. in forests and woodlands, also found on Ostrya, Castanea, Fagus, Liquidambar, Carya, and Platanus species.
Distribution
Widespread across North America, particularly in eastern and central regions.
Diet
Herbivorous, primarily feeding on plant sap from host plants.
Ecosystem Role
Part of the herbivorous community, potentially influencing plant health and dynamics in forests.
Collecting Methods
- Netting
- Pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Drying and pinning
Evolution
Paraphyletic in relationship to Xantholobus; complete diversity of the genus is still largely unexplored.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with similar-looking genera due to shared characteristics and variabilities.
Tags
- hemiptera
- treehoppers
- Cyrtolobus
- membracidae