Treehoppers

Family Membracidae

Strictocephala bubalus. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Treehoppers are phytophagous and feed on trees and shrubs. Most species feed only on certain species of host plants. Nymphs feed on grass and herbaceous plants. Treehoppers can cause damage to trees and shrubs when they lay eggs in the plant. Treehoppers can be recognized by the large pronotum, which is extended backward to cover the abdomen and sometimes covers the head as well. In some species the pronotum has spines or other projections.