Buffalo treehopper

Insect

Buffalo treehopper

Stictocephala bisonia Kopp & Yonke

Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Membracidae

Distribution: Most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Egglaying causes slits in tree bark.

Egglaying causes slits in tree bark. Leo-Guy Simard, Ag. and Agri-Food Canada
B

The pale green adult exhibits a large thorax with two "horns" and a long posterior wedge-shaped body (A). The cream-colored eggs are laid in a groove on the tree bark, where they overwinter.

  • Crops Affected: apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums

    Damage

    Attacks all deciduous fruit trees. Egg laying causes slits in the bark of trees (B) and can lead to the withering of young trees.

    Management

    Eliminate all alternative hosts such as leguminous plants growing in close proximity; remove shoots infested with eggs; if necessary, apply broad-spectrum insecticides to foliage if adults appear on young apple trees in June or July (seldom required).

About

Resources

Events

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).