Treehopper nymphs. Cluster of Alchisme sp. treehopper larvae on a plant stem. Treehoppers (family Membracidae) are insects whose bodies often take on bizarre forms thought to aid in camouflage. They are related to cicadas and leafhoppers. There are over 3,000 known species in over 600 genera, found on all continents except Antarctica. They excrete droplets of a sticky substance known as honey dew which can be seen here covering the branch at lower right. Photographed in South America.