treehoppers

Treehoppers are a diverse group of sap-feeding insects in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera. With thousands of described species, they are found worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, on a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants.

Most treehoppers are small, typically 5 to 15 millimeters long. They are best known for the pronotum, the shield-like structure over the thorax, which in many species extends over the abdomen and forms a variety of shapes—horns, spikes, tufts, or elaborate helmets. This extreme morphology often resembles plant parts or other insects, providing camouflage or mimicry.

Ecology: Treehoppers feed by inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into stems, leaves, or buds to suck sap. Many species are host-specific. They excrete honeydew, a sugary liquid that attracts ants and can foster mutualisms. Natural enemies include birds, wasps, and predatory bugs; ants often protect treehoppers in exchange for honeydew.

Reproduction and life cycle: Treehoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants; nymphs hatch and progress through several molts to winged or wingless adults. Both nymphs and adults feed on plant sap and may occupy the same host plant.

Economic and ecological notes: Some species can be pests on fruit trees and ornamental plants, reducing vigor or yield. Treehoppers can also act as vectors of plant pathogens in some cases. Beyond their pest status, they are studied for their unusual morphologies and for their ecological interactions, including ant associations.