Polyglyptini
Guides
Aphetea
Aphetea is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, containing seven described species. One species, Aphetea bicolor, has five recognized subspecies. The genus was established by Fowler in 1895 and is classified within the tribe Polyglyptini of the subfamily Smiliinae. Species are distributed across the Neotropical region.
Polyglypta
Polyglypta is a genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications typical of the family. The genus was established by Burmeister in 1835 and contains at least three described species: P. costata, P. dorsalis, and P. lineata. All three species were described by Burmeister. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Polyglyptini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group known for diverse and often elaborate pronotal structures.
Publilia erecta
Publilia erecta is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Polyglyptini. Like other members of its genus, it is known for forming aggregations on host plants and engaging in mutualistic relationships with ants. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Treehoppers in this genus are notable for their complex social behaviors and ant-tended aggregations, though specific details for P. erecta itself are limited in published literature.
Publilia modesta
Publilia modesta is a Nearctic treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Polyglyptini. It is strongly associated with sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) and engages in well-documented mutualistic relationships with ants, which tend aggregations of nymphs and adults for honeydew. The species has been recorded from multiple ant species, with some evidence suggesting ant diversity rivaling that of Neotropical treehopper systems. It is one of the most frequently studied treehoppers in North America due to its accessibility and pronounced ant associations.
Publilia porrecta
Publilia porrecta is a Nearctic treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Polyglyptini. The genus Publilia is known for ant-tended mutualistic associations, with multiple ant species frequently visiting aggregations. Like other members of its tribe, this species exhibits subsocial behaviors and is associated with herbaceous host plants. The species has been documented in western North America, including Utah and Mexico.
Publilia reticulata
Publilia reticulata is a colonial treehopper (Membracidae) that feeds on New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis). It exhibits spatial segregation from the co-occurring aphid Aphis vernoniae through differential microhabitat use on shared host plants, with P. reticulata concentrated on middle leaves while A. vernoniae occupies inflorescences early in the season. The species maintains this position even as A. vernoniae shifts to senescent leaves late in the season, minimizing actual overlap despite apparent spatial convergence.