Smiliinae
Guides
Telamonanthe rileyi
Telamonanthe rileyi is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, and tribe Telamonini. The species was described by Goding in 1892. It is part of a genus characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications typical of treehoppers. Based on collection records, it occurs in Texas and potentially other parts of the southern and central United States. As with other members of Membracidae, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plants for this species have not been documented in the available sources.
Telamonini
Telamonini is a tribe of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, comprising approximately 9 genera and at least 50 described species. The tribe was reinstated from synonymy with Smiliini based on morphological phylogenetic analysis. Members are predominantly Nearctic in distribution, with strong evolutionary associations with oak (Quercus) as host plants. Nymphs represent the predominant feeding stage and are critical for accurate host plant determination, as adult movements often produce unreliable records.
Telonaca
Telonaca is a small genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) comprising two described species: Telonaca alta and Telonaca ramona. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications. The genus was established by Ball in 1918. Members of this genus exhibit the enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronotum typical of their family, which serves various ecological functions including camouflage and predator deterrence.
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.
Tortistilus collinus
Tortistilus collinus is a treehopper species described by Van Duzee in 1908, belonging to the tribe Ceresini within the subfamily Smiliinae. The genus Tortistilus is part of the diverse family Membracidae, known for their highly modified pronota that often resemble plant parts or other structures. This species is recorded from California, USA, where it occurs among other members of its genus.
Tortistilus trilineatus
A treehopper species in the tribe Ceresini, characterized by three longitudinal stripes on the pronotum. Described by Funkhouser in 1918, this species occurs in the southeastern United States. Like other members of the family Membracidae, it possesses an enlarged pronotum that extends over the thorax. The specific epithet "trilineatus" refers to the three-lined pattern visible on its dorsal surface.
Tortistilus wickhami
A North American treehopper in the family Membracidae, recently documented for the first time in Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Previously known from the western and southwestern United States, this species was collected from grapevines in Valle de Guadalupe vineyards during 2023. Its presence in commercial vineyards raises concerns about potential economic impact, as it is suspected to be a candidate vector for grapevine red blotch virus.
treehopperMembracidaevineyard-pestgrapevine-red-blotch-virusagricultural-pestMexico-first-recordBaja-CaliforniaValle-de-GuadalupeVitis-viniferaDNA-barcoding-identification2023-detectioneconomic-entomologyplant-virus-vectorSmiliinaeCeresiniHemipteraCicadomorphaNorth-Americawestern-United-Statesinvasive-potentialviticulturewine-grape-pestTrichaetipyga
Trichaetipyga is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, and tribe Ceresini. The genus was established by Caldwell in 1949. It is placed within the diverse Membracidae family, which is characterized by enlarged pronota that often form elaborate projections. As a genus-level taxon, it serves as a grouping for species sharing derived morphological features, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Trichaetipyga juniperina
A small treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1937. The genus Trichaetipyga is characterized by distinctive pronotal projections. As a member of the tribe Ceresini, it belongs to a group of treehoppers often associated with woody host plants. The specific epithet "juniperina" suggests a historical association with juniper, though this requires verification.
Tropidarnis tectigera
Tropidarnis tectigera is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. It is the sole species in its genus. The species was described by Fowler in 1895. It is known from limited observations in the southwestern United States and parts of Central America.
Vanduzea albifrons
Vanduzea albifrons is a species of treehopper described by Fowler in 1895. It belongs to the family Membracidae, a group of insects known for their highly modified pronotum that often extends into elaborate projections. The species has been documented in North and Central America, with distribution records from California, Baja California, and Bocas del Toro. Like other treehoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plant associations have not been documented in the available sources.
Vestistilus ancora
Vestistilus ancora is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Ball in 1937. It belongs to the tribe Ceresini within the subfamily Smiliinae. The genus Vestistilus contains species characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications. Observations of this species remain limited, with most records originating from Arizona.
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 coconinus
Xantholobus coconinus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1932. It belongs to the tribe Smiliini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group characterized by diverse pronotal modifications. The genus Xantholobus occurs in North America, with this species recorded from Arizona. Like other membracids, it possesses an enlarged pronotum that extends over the thorax and often exhibits plant-mimicking or other specialized morphological forms.
Xantholobus intermedius
Xantholobus intermedius is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. The species was described by Emmons in 1855 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of the genus Xantholobus, this species possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends posteriorly over the abdomen, a defining feature of treehoppers. The genus Xantholobus is classified within the tribe Smiliini, which comprises numerous genera of primarily Nearctic treehoppers.
Xantholobus muticus
Xantholobus muticus is a North American treehopper in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. Adults measure 7–8 mm in length and exhibit variable coloration from black to pale yellowish-brown. The species is strictly associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.), feeding exclusively on their sap. It ranges across eastern and central North America from Manitoba to Quebec and south to Texas and Florida.