Treehoppers (more precisely
typical treehoppers to distinguish them from the Aetalionidae) and
thorn bugs are members of the
family Membracidae, a group of
insects related to the
cicadas and the
leafhoppers. About 3,200
species of treehoppers in over 400
genera are known. They are found on all continents except Antarctica; only three species are known from
Europe. Individual treehoppers usually live for only a few months.