Desert Clastoptera vs Ant-Mimicking Treehopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Clastoptera | Ant-Mimicking Treehopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clastoptera arizonana | Cyphonia clavata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Clastopteridae | Membracidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Clastoptera
A tiny spittlebug found on desert shrubs in the American Southwest. Nymphs surround themselves with a frothy mass for moisture and protection.
Did You Know?
The frothy spittle covering its nymphs provides insulation from extreme desert temperatures.
Ant-Mimicking Treehopper
A treehopper with a pronotal projection shaped like an ant sitting on its back. The ant mimic is thought to deter predators from attacking.
Did You Know?
The "ant" on its back is actually a hollow extension of its pronotum viewed from certain angles.