Spatial-segregation
Guides
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.