Entylia carinata, commonly known as the keeled treehopper, is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae. They can be found in Brazil, Panama, Mexico, the United States, and Canada.[1][2][3][4] Keeled treehoppers are often attended by ants which feed on the honeydew they excrete. In return, the ants offer protection from predators.[5] Keeled treehoppers typically feed on plants in the aster family and they are not known to transmit plant diseases and are not considered significant plant pests.[5]
As adults, keeled treehoppers spend the winter months in leaf litter and debris, finally emerging in March.[5] They begin to reproduce and implant their eggs on aster leafs.[5] During this time of year plants produce vulnerable growth and soft tissues which make it an optimal time to embed their eggs.[5] Occasionally the laid eggs cause the leaf to fold over, forming a protected environment for the nymphs to develop in once they hatch.[5]
Behavior
Keeled treehoppers mothers exhibit parental care and spend time protecting their egg masses.[5] They are phloem feeders, and their diet consists of liquids extracted from plants.[6] Plant sap, while a convenient material to feed on, is lacking in many different nutrients including essential amino acids.[7] Because their food source is so nutrient poor, keeled treehoppers rely on gut symbionts in order to supplement their diet.[6]
These insects can be found in Canada, the eastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.[4]
Morphology
Keeled treehoppers have unique saddle shaped keels, and are small and brown.[5] The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, females are typically 1/4 of an inch (6.35 mm) long with more pronounced keels while males are smaller, and their keels less noticeable.[5] On occasion, males appear so different that they are misidentified.[5]
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