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| A 3/8" long treehopper with a humped pronotum |
Our little native treehoppers (family
Membracidae) often have an interesting shape to the dorsal side of the first thoratic segment, called the
pronotum. This segment covers their heads and makes some of them look like humpbacks. Other treehoppers have a
pronotum shaped like a thorn, horn or spine.
Treehoppers often provide parental care to their nymphs, and many have a mutualistic relationship (both benefit) with ants that is similar to that between ants and aphids. These treehoppers provide sweet "secretions" to ants in exchange for protection from predators.
The daily happenings on your yard plants might surprise you - but
Igor's hump won't change sides.
