buffalo treehoppers

(Stictocephala spp.)

Overview
buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)
Photo by Alfredo Colon
 

Stictocephala is a genus of small, jumping, true bugs known as buffalo treehoppers. There are 17 Stictocephala species in North America north of Mexico. At least 10 have been recorded in Minnesota. Most species occur only in North America and Mexico. One species, Stictocephala bisonia, also occurs across Europe. Adults feed on trees and shrubs. Nymphs may also feed on forbs and grasses. The female lays eggs in a twig and the twig usually dies beyond that point.

 
           
 
Description
 
 

Adults are small, ½ (12 mm) or less in length. The exoskeletal plate covering the thorax (pronotum) is very long, extending back over the abdomen. When viewed from the side the pronotum is broadly rounded and high. The wings are held roof-like over the body when at rest. The first radial vein (R1) is short and is close to the start of the second radial vein (R2+3+4+5).

 
     
 
Distribution
 
 

Distribution Map

 

Sources

24, 27, 29, 30, 82.

 
  12/29/2022      
         
 
Taxonomy
 
 

Order

Hemiptera (true bugs, hoppers, aphids, and allies)  
 

Suborder

Auchenorrhyncha (true hoppers)  
 

Infraorder

Cicadomorpha (spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers and treehoppers)  
 

Superfamily

Membracoidea (leafhoppers and treehoppers)  
 

Family

Membracidae (typical treehoppers)  
 

Subfamily

Smiliinae  
 

Tribe

Ceresini (buffalo treehoppers)  
       
 

Subordinate Taxa

 
 

buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala bisonia)

treehopper (Stictocephala albescens)

treehopper (Stictocephala alta)

treehopper (Stictocephala basalis)

treehopper (Stictocephala bubalis)

treehopper (Stictocephala constans)

treehopper (Stictocephala lutea)

treehopper (Stictocephala palmeri)

treehopper (Stictocephala stimulea) ?

treehopper (Stictocephala taurina)

two-horned treehopper (Stictocephala diceros)

 
       
 

Synonyms

 
 

 

 
       
 

Common Names

 
 

buffalo treehoppers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glossary

Pronotum

The exoskeletal plate on the upper side of the first segment of the thorax of an insect.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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Alfredo Colon

 
    buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)   buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)  
           
    buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)   buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)  
           
 
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  Alfredo Colon
8/11/2022

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota

buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)  
  Alfredo Colon
8/5/2019

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota

buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala sp.)  
           
 
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Created: 6/29/2020

Last Updated:

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