Black Locust Treehopper
Vanduzea arquata
This record describes Vanduzea arquata (species). Recorded family: Membracidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Brown, wedge-shaped treehopper with no crest, white arc-shaped mark on side, aggregates on Black Locust. An interesting little critter, to be looked for on Black Locust. I've coined the common name based on the host plant association. (PC) The ant partnership of this treehopper will protect it from the predaceous Nabis subcoleoptratus on locust trees. ( 3 )
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
- Amastrini
- Genus
- Vanduzea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA to AZ - Map , mostly e. US & Ont.
Seasonal Activity
May-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Found (exclusively?) on Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia .
Life History
Attended by ants, including Formica subsericea . Also attended by Black Carpenter Ants, Camponotus pennsylvanicus --see comments here . Communicates with low-frequency vibrations.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Vanduzea arquata. 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 Black Locust Treehopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Locust Treehopper
What is Black Locust Treehopper?
Black Locust Treehopper (Vanduzea arquata) is a species in the family Membracidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Black Locust Treehopper?
Circa 6 mm
How do you identify Black Locust Treehopper?
Brown, wedge-shaped treehopper with no crest, white arc-shaped mark on side, aggregates on Black Locust.
Where is Black Locust Treehopper found?
Range: e NA to AZ - Map , mostly e. US & Ont.
What does Black Locust Treehopper eat?
The diet of the Black Locust Treehopper includes Found (exclusively?) on Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia ..
When is Black Locust Treehopper active?
Black Locust Treehopper: seasonal activity - May-Oct (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Black Locust Treehopper?
Attended by ants, including Formica subsericea . Also attended by Black Carpenter Ants, Camponotus pennsylvanicus --see comments here . Communicates with low-frequency vibrations.