This treehopper is less than 1/2 inch long (10 mm). From the side it mimics a leaf. Its front reminds us of a buffalo head, with two “horns” and two eyes on the sides. It has a shield protecting it on top, and thin wings folded below. Like the many other members of this family, they feed on the juices of a variety of plants, and lay their eggs in slits cut into the soft plant tissue. Image 3 shows a treehopper nymph, difficult to identify, but probably one of this species.
This treehopper ranges throughout Canada and the northern states with Nebraska on the southern edge of its range. It may not be common in Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods but may be overlooked because of its size and camouflage. The nymph (3) was photographed in the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center parking lot in early June 2014.
This treehopper prefers American black elderberry as a host plant but is often found on a wide variety of plants.
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