The treehopper is a fascinating insect that can be found in many parts of the world. With its unique spiny shape, it’s easy to recognize aong other insects. It belongs to the order Homoptera and there are over 3,200 species of treehoppers that have been identified.
Treehoppers use their sucking mouthparts to penetrate a tree’s bark and feed on its sap. The saliva they produce helps keep the area around the bite open so that they can keep feeding. This can sometimes cause damage to trees, but in most cases it is minor and not enough to pose a threat to the health of the tree.
Treehoppers also spread diseases, some of which can be deadly for their hosts. They excrete sticky honeydew on which blackish sooty mold grows, fouling leaves and twigs and surfaces underneath infested plants.
Treehoppers vary in size from less than 1 mm up to about 10 mm in length depending on the species. They have an enlarged thorax that extends forward over their head and forms one or more spines, giving them their characteristic spiny look. The thorax also expands posteriorly over the body forming a hood-like covering.
It’s easy to appreciate these tiny creatures when you take some time to observe them up close – they are truly fascinating!
The Role of Treehoppers in Nature
Treehoppers are small insects that use their sucking mouthparts to penetrate a tree’s bark and feed on its sap. The saliva produced by the treehopper prevents the tree from closing up the wound caused by the bite, allowing the insect to continue feeding. Treehoppers and leafhoppers, which are closely related insects, also spread diseases to their hosts, some of which can be deadly.
Are Treehoppers a Threat to Humans?
Treehoppers are not typically harmful to plants or animals, but they can cause some damage to landscapes. In terms of feeding habits, treehoppers excrete a sticky honeydew on whih blackish sooty mold grows. This can lead to an unsightly appearance as it fouls leaves, twigs and surfaces underneath infested plants. It may also make them more susceptible to other pests or disease. However, treehopper damage is generally slight and not likely to threaten the health of the plant if managed properly.
Are Treehoppers Considered Bugs?
Yes, a treehopper is a type of bug, scientifically classified as an insect in the order Homoptera. Treehoppers are easily identified by ther peculiar head and thorax which can be extended anteriorly to form spines and posteriorly to form a hood-like covering. They are small creatures, usually only reaching lengths of up to 18mm, but they have a wide variety of shapes and colors. Treehoppers feed on sap from plants and lay their eggs in the stems of plants.
Do Treehoppers Pose a Biting Risk?
No, treehoppers do not bite. They are small insects, typically abut 1/4 inch in length, that feed on plant sap. As they are herbivores, they do not possess the mandibles necessary to bite or sting people. They are most famous for their unusual and often elaborate shapes and colors.
Are Treehoppers Harmful to Gardens?
Treehoppers are not generally harmful to gardens. They feed on sap and may cause minor damage to stems of plants, but the injury uually does not cause significant harm or death to plants. In some cases, treehoppers can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to damage from other pests or diseases, so it is important to keep an eye out for any symptoms of infestation. However, in most cases, treehopper infestations will not significantly harm your garden.
Getting Rid of Treehoppers
The best way to get rid of treehoppers is to take an integrated approach. Start by controlling the population of nightshade plants in your garden, as treehoppers are particularly attracted to them. Then, inspect the underside of your plants’ leaves regularly for white eggs and use a soft brush or cloth to carefully remove them. Make sure you crush any eggs you find, as this will help reduce the population of treehoppers in your garden. Additionally, you can use natural insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat the affected areas–but make sure you check the label for specific instructions and safety information before using these products. Finally, introduce beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs into your garden–they love feeding on treehopper eggs and can help keep their population undr control.
Do Treehoppers Prey on Aphids?
No, treehoppers do not eat aphids. Instead, they feed on plant sap, which they obtain by piercing the stems and leaves of plants with their long proboscis. Ants are attracted to the sugary waste (honeydew) that treehoppers excrete as a byproduct of their feeding, and in return for access to this nutritious resource, ants protect and farm the treehoppers from predators.
The Brazilian Treehopper: An Overview
The Brazilian treehopper (Bocydium globulare) is an insect belonging to the Membracidae family of treehoppers. It can be found throughout the world, but is most prevalent in Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australia. This type of treehopper has unique appendages on its head that help it blend into its environment. These appendages are often referred to as ‘horns’ or ‘horns of shame’. The body of this species is usually a light green or brown colour with darker patches. They have long legs and wings that allw them to jump great distances. Adult Brazilian treehoppers feed on sap from trees, shrubs and other plants. The larvae feed on small insects, such as aphids and mealybugs.
Conclusion
Treehoppers are an interesting group of insects that have a variety of features to be admired. They have adapted to feed on tree sap, and their saliva helps prevent the tree from closing around the bite. Although they can spread deadly diseases, their overall impact on landscapes is usualy minimal. Their excretion of honeydew and associated black sooty mold can be unsightly, but it does not pose a threat to plant health. All in all, treehoppers are an intriguing species that provide insights into the amazing adaptations that nature has developed.
