A vibrant Gabonese rainforest scene featuring an intricately patterned treehopper.

Hidden Gems of Gabon: Unearthing New Species of Treehoppers

Author's portrait.
Lena Kashyap in Science & Nature June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new look at the vibrant world of Membracidae reveals secrets of the African rainforest, enticing nature lovers and eco-travelers alike."


Gabon's rainforests, a jewel of Central Africa, continue to yield ecological surprises. Recent research has spotlighted the incredible diversity of treehoppers (Membracidae) within this region, with scientists identifying new species of the genus Hamma Buckton, 1905. These tiny insects, belonging to the order Hemiptera and suborder Auchenorrhyncha, contribute to the intricate web of life in these equatorial ecosystems.

The genus Hamma, revised in 2014, is noted for its distinct physical characteristics. These include a convex and tuberculate pronotum (the shield-like structure behind the head), a robust and bisinuate (S-shaped) posterior pronotal process, and tegmina (forewings) marked by a broad pterostigma (a thickened cell) and specific cell arrangements. This revision categorized 17 species within the Afrotropical region, underscoring the area's rich biodiversity.

A recent study focused on specimens collected in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, revealing that six of these specimens do not align with any previously cataloged species. Using established taxonomic methodologies, researchers have identified and described these unique insects, adding valuable data to our understanding of African insect fauna. This exploration further enriches the known diversity of Gabon, highlighting the potential for new discoveries in its unexplored habitats.

Discovering New Species: What Makes These Treehoppers Unique?

A vibrant Gabonese rainforest scene featuring an intricately patterned treehopper.

The study, published in Natural History Sciences, details the discovery of two new Hamma species from Gabon. These findings extend the known diversity of the genus in this region. Researchers followed standard systematic approaches, referencing the works of Capener (1968) and Wallace & Deitz (2004) to classify and describe the specimens.

Specimens were collected using light traps in diverse Gabonese locales: Ipassa, within the Ivindo National Park (northeastern Gabon), and Ikobey, situated in the province of Ngunié (central Gabon). Additional specimens came from Mossumu, near Nyefang, in Equatorial Guinea. The insects, drawn to the light at night, were captured, preserved, and carefully prepared for examination.

  • Careful Preparation: Specimens were euthanized using ethyl acetate vapors and preserved in 70% ethanol.
  • Detailed Mounting: Insects were meticulously mounted with micro pins, allowing for examination of wing structures.
  • Genitalia Analysis: Male genital structures were dissected, macerated in a sodium hydroxide solution, and mounted on slides for detailed morphological study.
The morphological traits observed, especially in the genitalia, are crucial for distinguishing species. The terminology used in descriptions references key publications by Funkhouser (1913, 1950), Capener (1962, 1968), Deitz (1975), Wootton (1979), and others, ensuring consistency and accuracy in taxonomic descriptions. Standardized measurements and descriptive conventions were employed, providing a clear framework for future comparisons and research.

Implications for Conservation and Ecotourism

The discovery of new treehopper species in Gabon emphasizes the critical need for biodiversity conservation in this region. Gabon's commitment to protecting its natural heritage is demonstrated through international collaborations between institutions like the MSNS and CENAREST. Such efforts promote scientific research and local capacity building. As Gabon continues to unveil its ecological treasures, these findings highlight the potential for ecotourism, offering opportunities for sustainable economic development while preserving the nation's natural wonders. Promoting awareness of these unique species can foster a sense of environmental responsibility, inviting both local and global communities to actively participate in conservation efforts.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

Where were the new *Hamma* species of treehoppers discovered in Gabon, and how was the study conducted?

The study published in *Natural History Sciences* details the discovery of two new *Hamma* species, expanding the known diversity within Gabon. Researchers used taxonomic methodologies referencing Capener (1968) and Wallace & Deitz (2004) for classification. These *Hamma* treehoppers' physical traits, especially in the genitalia, distinguish the species. They were collected using light traps.

2

What are the defining physical characteristics of the *Hamma* treehopper genus that set it apart from other Membracidae?

The genus *Hamma* is distinguished by a convex and tuberculate pronotum, a robust and bisinuate (S-shaped) posterior pronotal process, and tegmina marked by a broad pterostigma and specific cell arrangements. These characteristics differentiate *Hamma* from other treehoppers within the Membracidae family, and are used to catalog them. It was revised in 2014 and 17 species were found within the Afrotropical region.

3

What are the broader implications of discovering new treehopper species in Gabon, particularly in terms of conservation and ecotourism?

The discovery of new treehopper species underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation in Gabon. International collaborations, such as those between MSNS and CENAREST, promote research and local capacity building. It also highlights the potential for ecotourism, contributing to sustainable economic development and fostering environmental responsibility among local and global communities.

4

What specific methods were used to prepare and analyze the treehopper specimens for taxonomic classification?

Specimens were captured using light traps and euthanized using ethyl acetate vapors before being preserved in 70% ethanol. They were meticulously mounted using micro pins to allow for the examination of wing structures. In addition, male genital structures were dissected, macerated in a sodium hydroxide solution, and mounted on slides for detailed morphological study. These processes are critical to taxonomy.

5

What taxonomic standards and descriptive conventions are employed when classifying a treehopper, such as a new *Hamma* species?

The classification and description of these new treehopper species involved standard systematic approaches, referencing key publications and morphological analysis, particularly of genitalia. These analyses rely on terminology from Funkhouser, Capener, Deitz and Wootton, ensuring consistency and accuracy in taxonomic descriptions. Standardized measurements and descriptive conventions are important for future comparisons and research.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.