Oak trees host hundreds of insect species. That being the case, I often stop to scrutinize the trunks of big, old oaks, and scan their crowns, all eyes and ears for signs of insects.

So where are they?

About this time last year I strolled the easternmost segment of Tyler’s Scenic Loop. A mature White Oak stands at the curve, and some of its branches extend over the trail. That put its crown within reach of my walking pole … Eureka! A whole crowd of insects!

The insects on the twig in the photograph are Oak Treehoppers. These nymphs will change both in color and shape as they grow and mature. When adults, they will have a horn-shaped structure that projects up from the thorax over the head.

Oak Treehoppers are gregarious communicators. They shake to generate distinctive vibrations that travel through the plant and alert their fellows to a particularly good food source, a courtship opportunity, or a prowling predator.

Both the adults and nymphs use sucking mouthparts to feed on tree sap. If Oak Treehoppers cause any damage, it’s limited and minor, according to experts, and related to the female inserting eggs into the twig.