Thorn Treehopper
This morning as I was checking to see whether the sandpaper plant fruit had ripened, I turned around and met, to my astonishment, this sight:
I thought at first the small tree (in the Fabaceae family, Mimosa subfamily, but not yet identified) had suddenly developed thorns. A closer look, though, showed this collection of insects:
Some quick research at What’s that Bug suggested that this insect is a “thorn treehopper,” possibly Umbonia crassicornis or Umbonia spinosa. After piecing together the information from various sources, I gather that these insects pierce the plant stem to eat sap and also to lay their eggs in the plant tissue. Aggregations are usually of females guarding the eggs of their young. This activity does weaken the branches of the trees, but little other damage is done, according to what I have read so far.
Sorry, Umbonias, after the recent plague of beetles, we were quick on the draw with a pyrethrin-derivative spray. Next time we’ll watch a little longer and see what happens.
There are many species of Umbonia, but U. crassicornis is the most common throughout Central America and has on occasion been reported as reaching pest status. Hosts that have been recorded being damaged by this species include Hibiscus, Calliandra, Albizzia lebbek, Acacia, Jacaranda acutifolia, and Delonix regia. Small trees (less than 2″ diameter) have on been killed by aggregations of this species, so if the plant has particular value it is probably best to control them.
This blog has taken a decidedly entomological bent lately
regards–ted
Thanks, Ted!
Now I don’t feel so bad about the spray.
As to the entomological bent – you’re right! Oh well. I have a couple of plant posts in the pipeline, but they always take more time.
Wow! Just when I think I’ve seen the coolest bug in the world along comes another. These thorn treehoppers are amazing. It sure is fun to turn a corner and discover something amazing like this. What a great world we live in!
What a beautiful pest! Very architectural in its organization and design.
As for the entomological bent, where would plants be without their welcome and unwelcome guests? We’d likely still be mired in those big forests of tree ferns, Pteridosperms, and lycophytes, nary a flower in sight!
~Shelley
Michael – It certainly is fun! And, just for fun, what was your heretofore coolest bug?
Shelley – Ah, yes. Plants without bugs – no flowers, no chemicals that may lead to the cure for cancer. Good perspective there.
Those are very strange, and pretty neat at the same time! Almost looks like a child’s toy or something. They would certainly get my attention
Hi Beau,
You’re so right about the child’s toy. While looking them up on the internet, I read about a man who said he used to play with them when he was growing up in the Dominican Republic. When I touched one, I was surprised at its softness. The head is hard but those peaks and sides are not, they’re kind of squishy-firm. I had expected a beetle-like carapace. At any rate, I admire the Dominican because as a child he would had to have been gentle with these creatures if they were to survive his play.
this pictures seem to come directly from national geographic shows. what an amazing view, even if pests ;P
Those are some pretty strange bugs. Since you are from Panama, can I ask you if you know the PANAMA BERRY (Muntingia calabura). I want to try to grow it in Bermuda and wondered if you had any advice.
Hello Prospero,
I have not encountered Muntingia calabura in person, but it is indeed a native plant here, as it is in much of Central America. My concern for you is whether the tree might be invasive in Bermuda. It has been described as invasive in other areas, so you might want to check with your local plant authorities on this issue. If you get the go-ahead, note that it requires open space – the Panama Tree Atlas states that here in Panama it is found only in waste grasslands.
Thanks for commenting.
Mary
I used to play with these bugs back in the late 80s in PuertoRico…
Blanc0 – It’s neat to hear from anyone who knew thornhoppers when they were young. I really see the appeal!
Mary