Membracinae
Guides
Aconophora compressa
lantana bug, lantana treehopper, lantana stemsucking treehopper, lantana sap-sucking bug
Aconophora compressa is a treehopper (family Membracidae) native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species is brown, up to 8 mm long, with a thorn-shaped body and produces copious honeydew. It has been documented to attack non-target plants, particularly fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) in Australia, leading to its discontinuation as a biocontrol agent after 2001. It was also rejected for use in South Africa due to unacceptable risks to indigenous Lippia species.
treehopperbiological-controlinvasive-species-managementMembracidaephloem-feedermaternal-caregregarioushoneydew-producernon-target-effectsLantana-camaraMexicoAustraliaSouth-AfricaVerbenaceaeCitharexylum-spinosumLippiaAloysia-citrodorathermal-tolerancestem-suckingsap-feedingegg-guardinginstarsnymphal-developmentweed-biocontrolhost-range-expansionecological-risk-assessmentbiosecurityWalker-1851AconophoriniMembracinaeHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaMembracoideaEnchenopa 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.