# Two-Marked Treehopper Complex (*enchenopa binotata*)

The Two-Marked Treehopper is a tiny insect that loves to jump around on plants! Its unique markings make it look like a little artwork in nature.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** You can find them in forests and gardens, usually on the stems of plants.
- **Also known as:** Binotated Treehopper, Jumping Treehopper, Two-Spot Treehopper

![Two-Marked Treehopper Complex](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Two-marked_Treehopper_%28Enchenopa_binotata%29_-_Guelph%252C_Ontario.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two-marked_Treehopper_%28Enchenopa_binotata%29_-_Guelph%252C_Ontario.jpg)

## Appearance

The Two-Marked Treehopper Complex is a small, dark insect distinguished by its unique, helmet-like pronutum. This shield-like structure extends over its body, often bearing two pale markings and frequently mimicking a thorn or twig.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Membracidae
- **Genus:** Enchenopa

## Interesting facts

- A treehopper mother will sometimes guard her eggs and nymphs from hungry predators.
- Different groups of these treehoppers communicate using unique vibratory "dialects" on their favorite plants!
- Their babies, called nymphs, are spiky and sometimes fuzzy, looking quite different from the adults.
- They produce a sweet liquid called honeydew that ants love to collect and eat!

## Special abilities

- **Master of Disguise:** Two-Marked Treehopper Complex has a thorn-like shield that helps them blend perfectly with plant stems, making them almost invisible to predators.
- **Vibration Talker:** Two-Marked Treehopper Complex can send secret messages through plant stems using vibrations that help them find mates or warn others.
- **Plant Power Sip:** Two-Marked Treehopper Complex has a straw-like mouthpart that helps them drink nutritious sap directly from deep within plant stems.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 10-14 mm
- **Size:** 5-7 mm
- **Lifespan:** 60-90 days
- **Flight Speed:** 2 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

They are plant-eaters that love to sip nutrient-rich sap directly from woody plants.

- **Primary Foods:** phloem sap, black locust sap, redbud sap, honey locust sap
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Depends on:** [Black Locust](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-locust) (*Robinia pseudoacacia*) — as a primary host plant for feeding and reproduction
- **Depends on:** Eastern Redbud (*Cercis canadensis*) — as another essential host plant for its sap
- **Eaten by:** [Black-capped Chickadee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-capped-chickadee) (*Poecile atricapillus*) — as they forage for insects on twigs and leaves
- **Eaten by:** Flower Crab Spider (*Misumena vatia*) — as it ambushes prey camouflaged on flowers

## Traits

- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Two-Marked Treehopper Complex?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Two-Marked Treehopper Complex's wingspan?

10-14 mm

### How big is Two-Marked Treehopper Complex?

5-7 mm

### How long does Two-Marked Treehopper Complex live?

60-90 days

### How fast can Two-Marked Treehopper Complex fly?

2 km/h

### What does Two-Marked Treehopper Complex eat?

They are plant-eaters that love to sip nutrient-rich sap directly from woody plants.

### Where is Two-Marked Treehopper Complex usually found?

You can find them in forests and gardens, usually on the stems of plants.

### How does Two-Marked Treehopper Complex hunt?

Foraging

## Where to spot

- [Fort Hunt](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-hunt) — Virginia, US · Historic Site
- [Burgundy Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/burgundy-park) — Virginia, US · Park

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Two-Marked Treehopper Complex Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/two-marked-treehopper-complex)
