Pronotum
Guides
Archasia auriculata
Archasia auriculata is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, characterized by an elaborate pronotal extension that resembles a leaf or plant part. The species was described by Fitch in 1851 and belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. Treehoppers in this genus are known for their highly modified pronota that serve as camouflage and protection.
Centrotus cornutus
Horned Treehopper, Thorn-hopper
Centrotus cornutus, commonly known as the Horned Treehopper or Thorn-hopper, is a distinctive treehopper species in the family Membracidae. Adults are recognized by their pronounced pronotal extensions that form horn-like projections, which function in camouflage by resembling thorns or plant parts. The species has a two-year life cycle and overwinters as larvae in leaf litter. It is one of only two treehopper species recorded in the United Kingdom.
Cyrtolobus
Cyrtolobus is a genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) comprising more than 50 described species distributed across North and Central America. Like other members of the tribe Smiliini, species in this genus possess enlarged and often elaborately shaped pronota that extend backward over the body. The genus was established by Goding in 1892 and remains taxonomically active, with species identification relying primarily on pronotal morphology.
Cyrtolobus maculifrontis
Cyrtolobus maculifrontis is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Ebenezer Emmons in 1854. The species name refers to the distinctive black spots on its forehead. Like other members of the genus Cyrtolobus, it possesses a pronounced pronotum, a characteristic feature of treehoppers that may serve multiple functions including camouflage and chemical communication. It occurs in the central and eastern United States and southern Canada.
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.
Membracidae
treehoppers, thorn bugs, typical treehoppers
Membracidae, commonly called treehoppers or thorn bugs, is a family of approximately 3,200–3,500 species in over 400 genera within the order Hemiptera. The family is distinguished by extraordinary morphological diversity, particularly the pronounced enlargement and modification of the pronotum—the dorsal plate of the first thoracic segment—which can form thorns, horns, keels, or bizarre projections that often obscure the body and wings. This family represents the most diverse lineage within the superfamily Membracoidea, with its center of diversity in the New World tropics. Most species exhibit phytophagous habits, feeding on plant sap with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Many species engage in mutualistic relationships with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for honeydew.
Platycotis tuberculata
A species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, characterized by an enlarged and modified pronotum typical of the genus. The species occurs in western North America and parts of Central America. Like other members of tribe Hoplophorionini, it exhibits pronounced pronotal ornamentation. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in the literature.
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.
Tortistilus albidosparsus
Tortistilus albidosparsus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Stål in 1859. It belongs to the tribe Ceresini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group known for diverse pronotal modifications. The genus Tortistilus is part of the Nearctic treehopper fauna, with records from western North America. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive pronotal structures typical of the Ceresini.
Vestistilus patruelis
Vestistilus patruelis is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, first described by Carl Stål in 1864. The species belongs to the tribe Ceresini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group characterized by often elaborate pronotal modifications. Treehoppers in this family are known for their diverse and frequently ornate pronotal structures that extend over the body. As a member of the Membracidae, V. patruelis is presumed to be a phloem-feeding insect utilizing plant vascular tissues.
Xantholobus altus
Xantholobus altus is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1932. It belongs to the tribe Smiliini, a group of Nearctic treehoppers characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications. The genus Xantholobus contains multiple species distributed in western and southwestern North America. Xantholobus altus has been recorded from Arizona.