Family Membracidae (Treehoppers)

The family Membracidae, a group of insects related to the cicadas and the leafhoppers. There are about 3,200 species of treehoppers in over 400 genera. They are found on all continents except Antarctica. Only five species are known from Europe. Individual treehoppers usually live for only a few months.

Due to their unusual appearance, treehoppers have long interested naturalists. They are best known for their enlarged and ornate pronotum, expanded into often fantastic shapes that enhance their camouflage or mimicry, often resembling plant thorns. Treehoppers have specialized muscles in the hind femora that unfurl to generate sufficient force to jump.

Treehopper nymphs can be recognised by the tube-like ninth abdominal segment, through which the tenth and eleventh segments can be exerted in defence or to provide honeydew to other animals such as ants, which they often have a symbiotic relation to for defense. The tube is longer (compared to the rest of the body) in early instars compared to late instars.