This treehopper is about 1/4 inch long, usually sits on a twig and mimics a thorn, making him one of a group of “thorn mimics”. It is dark with two tan spots on a thorny-looking structure which runs from between its wings on its back to well above its eyes. But there may actually be up to nine species developing from this one species (speciating – the act of forming unique species), based on dependence on particular host plants. Biologists have not yet decided to split this species – more study and evidence will be required. The individuals depicted in images “A-C” were photographed on Redbud (Cercis canadensis), specifically mentioned as one of the host plants. The individual in image “D” was on Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), but not far from a Redbud tree along South Stream Trail in Fontenelle Forest. An expert volunteer at BugGuide identified the pair in image “E” as male and female. Images “F” and “G” show nymphs with adults on Redbud.