National Geo. Treehopper Article

[trehopr1]

The March issue of National Geographic has a short article about treehoppers followed with a nice fold-out featuring photo's of my most beloved family of insects. If I had to say that I had any specialized interest in any particular insect group; then I would say treehoppers (Membracidae) are it.
With over 3500 described species in approximately 436 genera; there is a lot to admire among this very diverse group. Though most are small in size the family stands "tall in stature" due to their very pronounced odd looking appearance. As field work is something I very much enjoy and take up whenever opportunity presents itself; I naturally keep a sharp eye on the various trees and scrubs I encounter in my forays. With that being said, I have over the years collected over 4000 specimens of this fascinating group. Considering that they have never had my un-divided attention I think that's pretty good. Most people scarcely ever see or encounter them and when they do it could be said "they ain't around long" !
So if possible take pause to look over the article and I hope you find them intriguing and curious in their own right regardless of what your insect passion may be...

[mothman27]

I thought of you when I when I saw that article a couple days ago. Some very nice photos. I think they're amazing, if only they were larger.

[cabintom]

Mar 1, 2019 8:56:22 GMT trehopr1 said:

With that being said, I have over the years collected over 4000 specimens of this fascinating group.

Do you have any pictures of your specimens?

[trehopr1]

Sorry cabintom, I don't have any pictures at this time. Although, I could always take some and post them a little later. I just know most members are Lepi people (with a smattering of Coleop. people); and seem to show little or no interest in other insect orders or families. So, I have been hesitant about pursuing the thought of a thread on these fascinating and wonderful creatures.

[Adam Cotton]

I would also be interested to see photos of your specimens. I specialise in one family of butterflies, but am always interested to see photos of other insects, and am sure that amny other members and guests would agree.

Adam.

[cabintom]

I love seeing pictures from other orders. I don't usually post any replies to those pictures because I don't have anything really to contribute, but I do enjoy seeing pictures of a variety of insects.

[exoticimports]

Everybody loves treehoppers. Shame they aren't larger, but when I find one new to me I grab it for the reference collection.

Chuck

[nomad]

I think they pretty amazing. Why does everything have to be large? small can be just as interesting. Its seems there is some interest here, but I don't add much recently in the way of other insects orders, there seems to be little or usually 0 interest, anyway mine are photographed live as I don't collect them. 

[exoticimports]

Mar 7, 2019 16:52:35 GMT nomad said:

I think they pretty amazing. Why does everything have to be large? small can be just as interesting. Its seems there is some interest here, but I don't add much recently in the way of other insects orders, there seems to be little or usually 0 interest, anyway mine are photographed live as I don't collect them. 

You’ll understand when you have to buy cheater glasses to read labels and set specimens.