treehopper

[ tree-hop-er ]

noun

1. any of numerous homopterous jumping insects of the family Membracidae, that have an enlarged prothorax and feed on the juices of plants, often injuring the plants.

treehopper

/ ˈtriːˌhɒpə /

noun

1. any homopterous insect of the family Membracidae , which live among trees and other plants and typically have a large hoodlike thoracic process curving backwards over the body

Word History and Origins

Origin of treehopper¹

First recorded in 1830–40; tree + hopper

Example Sentences

According to researchers, treehoppers suck on plant juices, sing to each other by vibrating plant stems, and are a vital food source for other forest creatures.

From Fox News

Those insects infected area palms, which infected native treehoppers.

From Washington Times

“We found the treehopper years ago,” she said.

From Washington Times

A treehopper will lay her eggs on the underside of a nightshade leaf and then cover them with a thin secretion.

From BBC

Sitting on a plant sucking juices all day makes you a pretty easy target, so planthoppers often mimic leaves, similar to the way their close relatives the treehoppers mimic thorns and other plant bits.

From Scientific American