Walker-1851
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 sericea
Enchenopa sericea is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Walker in 1851. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that distinguishes treehoppers from related Hemiptera. The species epithet 'sericea' (silky) likely refers to surface texture or sheen. Distribution records indicate presence in Central and South America including Panama (Chiriquí, Colón), Colombia (Córdoba), Mexico (Guerrero), and Brazil (Minas Gerais). As with most Neotropical Enchenopa species, detailed biological information remains limited due to incomplete taxonomic study of tropical Membracidae.
Exortus punctiferus
Exortus punctiferus is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1851. Taxonomic status remains disputed: Catalogue of Life treats it as a synonym of Exortus punctifer, while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as accepted. The genus Exortus belongs to the tribe Thioniini within the subfamily Issinae. Very few observations exist, with only six records on iNaturalist.
Flatoidinus punctatus
Flatoidinus punctatus is a planthopper species in the family Flatidae, characterized by its flattened, often leaf-like body form typical of flatid planthoppers. The species was described by Walker in 1851 and occurs in the southeastern United States and Cuba. Like other flatids, adults possess wings that fold tent-like over the body, and nymphs produce waxy filaments for protection. The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to punctate (spotted or dotted) markings on the body.