Locust Treehopper
Thelia bimaculata
This record describes Thelia bimaculata (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males sport a bright yellow band along the lower lateral margins of the pronotum Often protected by ants. Damage to the host is practically non-existent. Aphelopus theliae , a wasp in the Dryinidae family, is a parasite on this membracid.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Membracoidea
- Family
- Membracidae (Typical Treehoppers)
- Subfamily
- Smiliinae
- Tribe
- Telamonini
- Genus
- Thelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
lives its entire life on Locust, usually on younger trees, and seems to prefer trees that get some sunshine, avoiding trees in the deep woods
Geographic Range
e. NA except Gulf States (QC-SC to ON-WI-IA-UT-OK)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Locust tree; a single tree may host close to 500 individuals
Life History
Eggs laid near ground in slits in bark. From hatching to emergence as an adult takes about a month. Nymphs gradually move up the trunk as they mature.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thelia bimaculata (Fabricius 1794)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Thelia bimaculata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Locust Treehopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by v belov , metrioptera , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Locust Treehopper
What is Locust Treehopper?
Locust Treehopper (Thelia bimaculata) is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Locust Treehopper?
Female 11 mm, or 14 mm including the horn. Male somewhat smaller.
How do you identify Locust Treehopper?
Males sport a bright yellow band along the lower lateral margins of the pronotum
Where is Locust Treehopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | lives its entire life on Locust, usually on younger trees, and seems to prefer trees that get some sunshine, avoiding trees in the deep woods |
| Range | e. NA except Gulf States (QC-SC to ON-WI-IA-UT-OK) |
What does Locust Treehopper eat?
The diet of the Locust Treehopper includes host: Locust tree; a single tree may host close to 500 individuals.
What is the life cycle of a Locust Treehopper?
Eggs laid near ground in slits in bark. From hatching to emergence as an adult takes about a month. Nymphs gradually move up the trunk as they mature.