Thorn Treehopper
Umbonia crassicornis
This record describes Umbonia crassicornis (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
variable in size, color and structure of male pronotal horn; young nymphs have three horns nymphs: U. crassicornis has been the subject of studies on parental care and communication
Wikipedia reference for Umbonia crassicornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbonia_crassicornis.
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
- Membracinae
- Tribe
- Hoplophorionini
- Genus
- Umbonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Numerous legumes and other ornamental and fruit trees
Geographic Range
FL peninsula, southmost TX to Columbia - Map (common in FL)
Seasonal Activity
In FL, adults and nymphs can be found all year. Reports of heavy infestations have been received in all seasons, but probably more have come in during the cooler months. - University of Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Both young and adults feed on the same trees. Many times both are found together in clusters on branches.
Life History
The female actively tends her brood or colony of 15-50 individuals
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: crassicornis (L). 'thick horn'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Umbonia crassicornis. 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 Thorn Treehopper (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Thorn Treehopper
What is Thorn Treehopper?
Thorn Treehopper (Umbonia crassicornis) is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Thorn Treehopper?
♀ 12-14 mm, ♂ 9-13 mm
How do you identify Thorn Treehopper?
variable in size, color and structure of male pronotal horn; young nymphs have three horns nymphs:
Where is Thorn Treehopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Numerous legumes and other ornamental and fruit trees |
| Range | FL peninsula, southmost TX to Columbia - Map (common in FL) |
What does Thorn Treehopper eat?
The diet of the Thorn Treehopper includes Both young and adults feed on the same trees. Many times both are found together in clusters on branches..
When is Thorn Treehopper active?
Thorn Treehopper: seasonal activity - In FL, adults and nymphs can be found all year. Reports of heavy infestations have been received in all seasons, but probably more have come in during the cooler months. - University of Florida.
What is the life cycle of a Thorn Treehopper?
The female actively tends her brood or colony of 15-50 individuals