Thorn Bug — printable fact sheet

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Thorn Bug

Umbonia crassicornis

The thorn bug is a small, distinctive insect known for its pronounced, thorn-like projection extending from its back, which serves as camouflage among plant stems and thorns. Native to Central and South America, it has also established populations in southern Florida and the Car…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Membracidae

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forests, gardens, and woodlands

Diet

Herbivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

2-4 months

Weight

0.02-0.04 grams

Scientific name

Umbonia crassicornis

Did you know?

Thorn bugs belong to the treehopper family and are closely related to cicadas and leafhoppers.
Thorn bugs communicate with each other by vibrating their bodies to produce sound signals that travel along the plant stems. The female guards her eggs and young nymphs, a relatively rare behavior among insects. Their odd appearance often leads people to mistake them for thorns or even miniature dinosaurs.

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