Membracidae
Guides
Cyrtolobus woodruffi
Cyrtolobus woodruffi is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, tribe Smiliini, described by Ball in 1932. Like other members of the genus Cyrtolobus, it possesses a modified pronotum characteristic of treehoppers. The species has been documented in Arizona based on distribution records. Very little specific information is available for this particular species, though it shares the general biology of Nearctic Smiliini treehoppers, which feed on woody plants and often exhibit pronotal modifications.
Darninae
Darninae is a subfamily of treehoppers (family Membracidae) comprising approximately 30 genera arranged in five tribes: Cymbomorphini, Darnini, Hemikypthini, Hyphinoini, and Procyrtini. The subfamily is predominantly Neotropical in distribution and is characterized by diverse pronotal modifications. Members are phytophagous, with some species documented feeding on Asteraceae and Solanaceae. The subfamily Darninae represents one of several major lineages within Membracidae that diversified during the Tertiary period following the isolation of South America.
Darnini
Darnini is a tribe of treehoppers (family Membracidae) characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications that produce bizarre, often grotesque body shapes. The tribe is largely Neotropical in distribution and includes genera such as Stictopelta, Cyphotes, and Hypheodana. Members of this tribe exhibit the exaggerated morphological specializations typical of many membracids, with pronotal extensions that may function in crypsis, ant mimicry, or pheromone dispersal.
Enchenopa
Enchenopa is a genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) containing more than 50 described species. The genus underwent major revision in 2014, resulting in 51 recognized species. Members are characterized by their enlarged, often ornate pronotum typical of treehoppers. The Enchenopa binotata species complex has been extensively studied as a model system for sympatric speciation through host plant shifts, with different species or populations specialized on distinct host plants and exhibiting assortative mating based on plant-associated vibrational signals.
Enchenopa brevis
Leatherwood Treehopper
Enchenopa brevis is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Walker in 1851. It belongs to the tribe Membracini, a group characterized by their enlarged and often elaborately shaped pronotum. The species is known by the common name "Leatherwood Treehopper." Like other members of the genus Enchenopa, it is likely associated with woody host plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Enchenopa latipes
wide-footed treehopper
Enchenopa latipes, commonly known as the wide-footed treehopper, is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae. It is characterized by an enlarged, inflated pronotum typical of the family, which often resembles plant thorns or buds. The species has been documented in field observations on goldenrod stems in the Ozarks and adjacent regions. Males possess a unique XX-X0 sex determination system with a univalent X chromosome that exhibits distinctive segregation behavior during meiosis, segregating intact toward one spindle pole in late anaphase I after autosomes have initiated movement.
Enchenopa n-sp-az-i
A member of the diverse treehopper genus Enchenopa, this undescribed species from Arizona belongs to the tribe Membracini. The genus Enchenopa is known for species with pronounced pronotal modifications and associations with woody host plants. This particular taxon represents an unidentified species designation used in collection records pending formal description.
Enchenopa n-sp-az-ii
Enchenopa n-sp-az-ii is an undescribed species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, provisionally designated from Arizona. Treehoppers in this genus are recognized for their enlarged and often elaborately shaped pronotum that extends over the body. This species represents part of the documented but not yet formally described diversity of Enchenopa in the southwestern United States.
Enchenopa on-betula
Enchenopa on-betula is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Membracinae. The genus Enchenopa belongs to the tribe Membracini, a group of treehoppers characterized by their enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants, with some showing specificity to particular plant taxa. The specific epithet 'on-betula' suggests an association with birch (Betula) host plants, though this requires confirmation. Treehoppers in this group feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts and are known for their often striking pronotal modifications.
Enchenopa on-carya
Enchenopa on-ceanothus-americanus
Enchenopa on-ceanothus-americanus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae. The species epithet suggests a host association with Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea), though this relationship requires confirmation. Members of the genus Enchenopa are characterized by their enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronotum. The specific epithet format "on-ceanothus-americanus" follows a nomenclatural convention sometimes used for host-specific or host-associated insects, though the exact circumstances of this naming require verification from original taxonomic literature.
Enchenopa on-ceanothus-herbaceus
Enchenopa on-ceanothus-herbaceus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Membracini. The specific epithet suggests an association with Ceanothus herbaceus, a plant in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), indicating likely host plant specialization. Members of the genus Enchenopa are characterized by their enlarged, often ornamented pronotum that extends backward over the body. This species is part of a genus whose taxonomy is currently undergoing revision, with many Neotropical species expected to be reassigned to related genera such as Membracis.
Enchenopa on-juglans-nigra
Enchenopa on-juglans-nigra is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, named for its association with black walnut (Juglans nigra). Like other members of the genus Enchenopa, it possesses a pronounced pronotal projection that extends over the body. The species was described based on specimens collected from black walnut, distinguishing it from related Enchenopa species that occur on different host plants. It belongs to a complex of morphologically similar species that have been differentiated primarily by host plant associations and subtle morphological differences.
Enchenopa on-liriodendron-tulipifera
Enchenopa on-liriodendron-tulipifera is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, known from a single host plant association with Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree). The species name directly references this host relationship. Like other Enchenopa species, it likely exhibits maternal care of eggs, though this has not been specifically documented for this taxon. The species was described based on specimens collected from tulip tree.
Enchenopa on-robinia-pseudoacacia
Enchenopa on-robinia-pseudoacacia is a treehopper species (family Membracidae) associated with black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). It belongs to a genus known for host-specific associations with particular plant species. The species name reflects this documented host relationship. Like other Enchenopa species, it likely exhibits maternal care of eggs and nymphal aggregations, though specific studies on this species are limited.
Enchenopa on-sideroxylon-lanuginosum
Enchenopa on-sideroxylon-lanuginosum is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae. The specific epithet indicates an association with Sideroxylon lanuginosum (gum bumelia), suggesting this species is host-specific to this plant. The genus Enchenopa includes species known for complex vibrational communication and host plant specialization. This particular species appears to be named for its documented association with gum bumelia, a plant that serves as a larval host for other insects such as the cerambycid beetle Plinthocoelium suaveolens.
Enchenopa on-tilia-americana
Enchenopa on-tilia-americana is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae. Like other members of the genus Enchenopa, this species is characterized by a pronotum that extends posteriorly into a distinctive crest or "thorn-like" shape, providing effective camouflage on plant stems. The specific epithet suggests an association with American linden or basswood (Tilia americana), though detailed host records for this particular species remain limited. Treehoppers in this genus are known for their remarkable morphological diversity and specialized plant associations.
Enchenopa on-viburnum-nudum
Enchenopa on-viburnum-nudum is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Membracini. The specific epithet indicates a host association with Viburnum nudum (possumhaw or smooth witherod). Members of the genus Enchenopa are characterized by their distinctive pronotal crests and treehopper morphology. Like other Enchenopa species, this taxon likely exhibits host plant specificity typical of the genus.
Enchenopa on-viburnum-prunifolium
Enchenopa on-viburnum-prunifolium is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae. The specific epithet indicates an association with Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw viburnum), suggesting host plant specificity. Treehoppers in the genus Enchenopa are characterized by their distinctive pronotal crests and are predominantly Neotropical in distribution, though some species occur in North America.
Enchenopa on-viburnum-rufidulum
Enchenopa on-viburnum-rufidulum is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, documented as a host-specialist on Viburnum rufidulum (rusty blackhaw). This species represents part of a complex of Enchenopa host-races that have diversified on different plant lineages. The specific epithet reflects its documented association with this particular Viburnum host. Host-race formation in this group has been studied as a potential case of incipient speciation driven by host plant shifts.
Enchenopa sericea
Enchenopa sericea is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Walker in 1851. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that distinguishes treehoppers from related Hemiptera. The species epithet 'sericea' (silky) likely refers to surface texture or sheen. Distribution records indicate presence in Central and South America including Panama (Chiriquí, Colón), Colombia (Córdoba), Mexico (Guerrero), and Brazil (Minas Gerais). As with most Neotropical Enchenopa species, detailed biological information remains limited due to incomplete taxonomic study of tropical Membracidae.
Entylia
keel-shaped treehopper
Entylia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, first described by Germar in 1833. The genus contains at least three described species, including Entylia carinata, which is known for its distinctive keel-shaped pronotum that resembles plant debris. These insects are notable for their mutualistic relationships with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for honeydew. The genus is distributed in North America, with observations recorded from regions including the northeastern United States.
Entylia carinata
keeled treehopper
Entylia carinata is a small treehopper in the family Membracidae, notable for its pronounced saddle-shaped pronotal keel. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females larger and more prominently keeled than males. It engages in mutualistic relationships with several ant species and demonstrates parental care behavior. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to reproduce on host plants.
Entylia carinata concisa
Entylia carinata concisa is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae. Treehoppers in this genus are small insects characterized by an enlarged, often hatchet-shaped pronotum that extends over the thorax. The species Entylia carinata has been documented in association with odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile), which tend the treehoppers for their honeydew secretions. The subspecies concisa represents a geographic variant within this ant-associated treehopper complex.
Erechtia
Erechtia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, tribe Talipedini. Members of this genus are characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications typical of the group. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1858 and is currently accepted as valid. Limited species-level documentation exists in public databases.
Gargara
Gargara is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Centrotinae, tribe Gargarini. The genus was established by Amyot and Audinet-Serville in 1843. Species in this genus are distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented occurrences in Russia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Denmark, and Norway. The Gargara genistae species group contains cryptic species that are morphologically nearly identical but distinguished by male calling signal patterns.
Gargara genistae
Gargara genistae is a small treehopper in the family Membracidae, subfamily Centrotinae, characterized by a prominent backward-projecting pronotum and dark brown coloration. The species is oligophagous, feeding exclusively on phloem sap of shrubby Fabaceae including brooms and related genera. It is widely distributed across the Holarctic, Ethiopian, and Oriental regions, with occasional records in North America as an apparent introduction. Males produce species-specific substrate-borne calling signals used for mate recognition; cryptic species within this group are distinguished by acoustic rather than morphological characters.
Gargarini
Gargarini is a tribe of treehoppers (family Membracidae, subfamily Centrotinae) containing over 400 species across 28 genera. First described by William Lucas Distant in 1908, it represents one of the most species-rich tribes within the primitive subfamily Centrotinae, which occurs in both Old and New Worlds. Members are characterized by highly diverse pronotal structures, including suprahumeral horns and posterior pronotal processes that range from simple to complex morphologies. Molecular phylogenetic studies place Gargarini as sister to the tribes Leptocentrini, Hypsauchenini, Centrotini, and Leptobelini, with diversification estimated in the Late Cretaceous approximately 79.6 million years ago.
Glossonotus crataegi
Quince Treehopper
Glossonotus crataegi is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the Quince Treehopper. The species was described by Fitch in 1851 and is native to eastern and midwestern North America. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by their enlarged pronotum that forms distinctive helmet-like or keeled structures. G. crataegi is associated with host plants in the Rosaceae family, particularly Crataegus (hawthorn) and Cydonia (quince), which is reflected in its specific epithet. The species is part of the diverse North American treehopper fauna and has been documented in multiple states including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, and Maine.
Glossonotus nimbatulus
Glossonotus nimbatulus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Ball in 1925. It belongs to the genus Glossonotus, which is characterized by pronounced pronotal projections. The species is known from scattered records across north-central and northeastern North America. Like other members of Membracidae, it feeds on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Glossonotus univittatus
Glossonotus univittatus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Harris in 1841. It is characterized by a distinctive pronotal structure and a single pale stripe running longitudinally along the dorsal surface, as suggested by its specific epithet. The species has been recorded across multiple North American jurisdictions including Arkansas, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia. As a member of the Telamonini tribe, it belongs to a group of treehoppers known for their elaborate pronotal modifications.
Hadrophallus bubalus
Hadrophallus bubalus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Fabricius in 1794. It is classified within the subfamily Smiliinae and tribe Ceresini. The genus Hadrophallus was established to accommodate this and related species, which are characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications. The species has been documented in citizen science observations, with 392 records on iNaturalist.
Hebetica sylviae
Hebetica sylviae is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described in 2019 from specimens discovered in Murray, Kentucky. It is the sole Nearctic representative of the genus Hebetica and the only member of the tribe Darnini (raindrop treehoppers) in the Eastern United States. Adults are distinguished by their green coloration when alive, which is uncommon among U.S. treehoppers. The species is associated with mulberry trees (Morus spp.) and has been documented in Kentucky and Georgia.
Heliria
Heliria is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, established by Stål in 1867. The genus contains thirteen described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are phytophagous insects associated with woody host plants. At least one species, Heliria praealta, has been documented feeding on chokecherry (Prunus virginiana).
Heliria cristata
Heliria cristata is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Léon Fairmaire in 1846. It is primarily associated with oak trees, particularly black oak (Quercus velutina), and occurs across a broad range in eastern North America. The species is one of approximately 200 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its occurrence.
Heliria gemma
Heliria gemma is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1925. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. Treehoppers in this family are characterized by their enlarged pronotum that often forms elaborate projections. The species has been recorded in the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Heliria praealta praealta
Heliria praealta praealta is a treehopper subspecies (Hemiptera: Membracidae) with a documented association with chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). New distribution records from Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma have extended its known range westward from previous eastern and central U.S. records. Additional occurrence data indicate presence in Alberta, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, and Montana. Taxonomic status varies between sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted.
Heliria praealta rubidella
Heliria praealta rubidella is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae. It is one of several described subspecies within Heliria praealta. Distribution records indicate presence in western and central North America, with scattered records from Alberta to Florida.
Heliria scalaris
Heliria scalaris is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Fairmaire in 1846. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. The species has been recorded from multiple localities across North America including Alberta, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and Iowa. Like other treehoppers, it possesses an enlarged pronotum that extends over the body.
Hoplisoides
sand wasps
Hoplisoides is a genus of solitary sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing at least 70 described species worldwide. These small wasps are characterized by their spotted wings and specialized predatory behavior targeting treehoppers (Membracidae). Females construct short burrows in sandy soil to provision with paralyzed prey for their larvae. The genus is distributed globally except Australia, with approximately 18 species in North America.
Hoplisoides hamatus
Hoplisoides hamatus is a sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including British Columbia. Like other members of the genus Hoplisoides, it is a solitary wasp that hunts treehoppers in the family Membracidae as prey for its larvae.
Hoplisoides tricolor
sand wasp
Hoplisoides tricolor is a species of solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, originally described by Cresson in 1868. It is one of approximately eighteen Hoplisoides species found in North America north of Mexico. Like congeners, it is a ground-nesting wasp that hunts treehoppers (Membracidae) as prey for its larvae. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with most Hoplisoides species concentrated in western North America.
Hoplophorionini
Hoplophorionini is a tribe of treehoppers (Membracidae) comprising 105 species in 10 genera, distributed from Canada to Chile with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Members are characterized by elaborate pronotal modifications and, uniquely among Membracidae, are apparently subsocial and lack mutualistic associations with honeydew-collecting ants. Parental investment includes specialized defensive kicking behavior and construction of extra-ovipositional punctures in host tissue through which nymphs feed.
Hypsoprora simplex
Hypsoprora simplex is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Van Duzee in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Hypsoprorini within the subfamily Membracinae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in California and Baja California. The genus Hypsoprora is characterized by distinctive pronotal morphology typical of this treehopper group.
Hypsoprorini
Hypsoprorini is a tribe of treehoppers within the subfamily Membracinae, family Membracidae. The tribe includes genera with extreme pronotal morphologies, notably Cladonota, whose members possess elaborate pronotal expansions among the most pronounced in the family. The tribe is distributed throughout the Neotropics, with documented occurrence from Mexico through Central America to South America, including the Brazilian Caatinga. Members are placed in the treehopper family Membracidae, a group characterized by enlarged pronota that often extend over the body.
Idioderma virescens
Idioderma virescens is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909. The species has been recorded from Florida and Panama. A dedicated study on its systematics and biology was published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, though detailed biological information requires access to the full article.
Leioscyta
Leioscyta is a genus of treehoppers (Family Membracidae) established by Fowler in 1894. The genus belongs to the tribe Membracini within the subfamily Membracinae. Treehoppers in this genus exhibit the characteristic enlarged pronotum that distinguishes the family. Information on species diversity and biology remains limited in published literature.
Leioscyta pallidipennis
Leioscyta pallidipennis is a treehopper species (Family Membracidae) described by Stål in 1869. The genus Leioscyta belongs to the tribe Membracini within the subfamily Membracinae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona (USA) and the Mexican states of Morelos and Puebla. As a member of Membracidae, this species possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends over the body, though specific morphological details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Microcentrus
Microcentrus is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Microcentrini within the subfamily Stegaspidinae. Species in this genus are found in North America and Mexico, including the hickory stegaspidine treehopper (M. caryae). The genus was established by Stål in 1870.
Microcentrus lynx
Microcentrus lynx is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Stegaspidinae, described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Microcentrini, a group characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado) and several Mexican states (Durango, Hidalgo, Michoacán). Like other treehoppers, it possesses an enlarged pronotum that extends over the thorax, though specific morphological details for this species remain limited in published sources.