Telamona tiliae
Ball, 1925
Basswood Treehopper
Telamona tiliae, the basswood , is a Nearctic treehopper described by Elmer Darwin Ball in 1925. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the diverse Membracidae, characterized by the pronounced pronotal modifications typical of the group. The species exhibits in size and feeds on a broad range of woody plants, with a particular association with Tilia species that gives it its .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Telamona tiliae: //tɛˈlæmənə ˈtɪliaɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Telamona by its relatively low pronotal crest. The combination of size (9–10 mm), grayish-green to brownish-yellow pronotal coloration with dark brown markings, and association with basswood and other broadleaf trees helps separate it from similar Nearctic treehoppers in the Smiliinae.
Images
Habitat
Associated with deciduous broadleaf forests and woodlands, particularly where trees of the Tilia (basswood, linden) occur. Also found on other hardwood including oaks, ash, and hackberry.
Distribution
Eastern and central United States. Documented from Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri.
Diet
Phloem feeder on woody plants. Documented include: American Basswood (Tilia americana), Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), White Oak (Quercus alba), Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa), Chinkapin Oak (Q. muehlenbergii), Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra), and Black Oak (Q. velutina).
Host Associations
- Tilia americana - primary gives its
- Celtis occidentalis -
- Crataegus sp. -
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica -
- Liquidambar styraciflua -
- Quercus alba -
- Quercus macrocarpa -
- Quercus muehlenbergii -
- Quercus rubra -
- Quercus velutina -
Ecological Role
As a phloem-feeding insect, contributes to nutrient cycling in forest . Like other treehoppers, likely produces honeydew that may support associated and fungi, though specific mutualistic relationships for this species have not been documented.
Human Relevance
No significant economic importance. Occasionally encountered by entomologists and naturalists in eastern North American forests. The serves as an indicator of healthy deciduous woodland , particularly those containing mature basswood trees.
Similar Taxa
- Telamona decoraSympatric in Missouri and surrounding regions; T. tiliae distinguished by lower pronotal crest and different associations
- Other Telamona speciesShare general body plan and tribe Telamonini membership; T. tiliae separated by pronotal crest height and color pattern
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Elmer Darwin Ball in 1925, a prominent early 20th century American hemipterist who contributed significantly to the of Membracidae and related .
Nomenclature
Specific epithet 'tiliae' refers to the linden/basswood Tilia, reflecting the ' association with this plant group.