Cyrtolobus tuberosus
(Fairmaire, 1846)
Cyrtolobus tuberosus is a in the Membracidae, originally described as Thelia tuberosa by Léon Fairmaire in 1846. It is the largest member of its , with females measuring 9–10 mm and males 7–8 mm. The species is broadly distributed across the eastern and central United States and is strongly associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.), on which it feeds.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtolobus tuberosus: /ˌsɪrtəˈloʊbəs tuːˈbɛrəsəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Cyrtolobus by its larger size; females at 9–10 mm and males at 7–8 mm exceed dimensions of . The species name 'tuberosus' suggests tuberculate features that may aid recognition. Confirmation requires examination of pronotal structure and comparison with described species in the .
Images
Appearance
Large for the Cyrtolobus. Females 9–10 mm in length, males 7–8 mm. The pronotum (the enlarged structure characteristic of treehoppers) is prominently developed and contributes to the overall size. The specific epithet 'tuberosus' refers to -like projections or swellings on the body.
Habitat
Found in areas supporting oak trees, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. Associated with multiple oak across varied eastern and central U.S. landscapes.
Distribution
Eastern and central United States
Diet
Phloem-feeding on oaks (Quercus spp.). Documented include: Quercus alba (white oak), Q. margarettae (sand post oak), Q. marilandica (blackjack oak), Q. nigra (water oak), Q. prinus (chestnut oak), Q. rubra (northern red oak), Q. stellata (post oak), and Q. virginiana (live oak).
Host Associations
- Quercus alba - food plant
- Quercus margarettae - food plant
- Quercus marilandica - food plant
- Quercus nigra - food plant
- Quercus prinus - food plant
- Quercus rubra - food plant
- Quercus stellata - food plant
- Quercus virginiana - food plant
Similar Taxa
- Other Cyrtolobus speciesSmaller body size; C. tuberosus is the largest member of the
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Léon Fairmaire in 1846 under the Thelia as Thelia tuberosa, later transferred to Cyrtolobus.