The Thorn Treehopper (Umbonia crassicornis) has a spectacular spine-like pronotum that makes it virtually indistinguishable from a plant thorn when sitting on a stem. Females guard their egg masses and young nymphs, vibrating vigorously to warn them of predators — a sophisticated form of parental communication. Males signal to females through plant-borne vibrations.
Best time to see a Thorn Treehopper
The best time to see a Thorn Treehopper is January–June, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 451 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Thorn Treehopper? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Thorn Treehopper sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Thorn Treehopper?
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