Two-marked treehopper

The two-marked treehopper (Enchenopa binotata) is a species of treehopper belonging to the family Membracidae in the order Hemiptera. This pest is easily identified by the unique shape of its pronotum, which often resembles a thorn or a bud, providing excellent camouflage on the stems and twigs of its host plants.

This insect affects a wide variety of woody plants and shrubs. Known host plants include black walnut, maple species, viburnum, grapevines, and various orchard trees such as apple and peach. They congregate on younger, more succulent shoots to feed and deposit their eggs beneath the bark.

The life cycle of this species typically consists of one generation per year. They overwinter in the egg stage, with females inserting eggs into the bark of twigs. This process creates small, longitudinal slits in the bark. Nymphs emerge in the spring and undergo several molting stages while feeding on the phloem of the host plant.

Damage is characterized by the stunting of shoot growth and chlorosis of the leaves due to heavy feeding pressure. In severe cases, the constant withdrawal of sap causes wilting and premature leaf drop. Furthermore, the egg-laying sites create open wounds in the bark that serve as entry points for various fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Management and control strategies focus on both cultural and chemical interventions. Pruning and destroying infested twigs during the winter dormancy period is the most effective way to reduce the population. During the growing season, if the pest count exceeds economic thresholds, systemic insecticides applied to the foliage can provide effective control.