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 five species are known from Europe. Individual treehoppers usually live for only a few months.