Physalis walteri Nutt. (Solanaceae): Host Plant of the Treehopper Micrutalis malleifera Fowler (Hemiptera: Membracidae) on Sapelo Island, Georgia

The treehopper Micrutalis malleifera Fowler is a mainly Neotropical species whose first U.S. record was Florida in 1947. Only North Carolina has since been added to its U.S. distribution. In 2023, I found nymphs and adults on Walter's groundcherry (Physalis walteri Nutt.; Solanaceae) in back or secondary dunes on Sapelo Island, Georgia, which is a new state record. A new country record, based on museum specimens, is Costa Rica. Micrutalis malleifera is the first membracid documented to vector a phytopathogen; it transmits the pseudo-curly top virus of tomato in south Florida. I summarize life history data obtained from previous studies of the treehopper under experimental conditions and review its associated plants, noting species that should be considered incidental occurrences and those that express virus symptoms but might not support the membracid's nymphal development in the field. I stress the need for field studies to verify that the treehopper's host range is restricted to Solanaceae, whether it develops on field-grown tomato, and to establish whether M. malleifera is common on barrier islands. Those living in the West Indies and on or near barrier islands in the U.S. Southeast are encouraged to make observations on its natural history; they could provide information of potential biogeographic, ecological, and taxonomic importance.