The treehopper Micrutalis pallens Fowler was described from Mexico (Neotropical states) on the basis of two females; it since has been reported from Central America (Guatemala, Panama) and South America (Argentina, Guyana, Venezuela). The first U.S. records of this smiliine membracid of the tribe Micrutalini are reported from Arizona (Cochise County) and New Mexico (Grant County) in natural populations and ornamental plantings of Thurber's desert honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi [Torr.] A. Gray; Acanthaceae). A diagnosis and color photographs of the lectotype female and an adult male and female from the current study are included to facilitate recognition of M. pallens in the Nearctic fauna. The adult male is described for the first time and the adult female is redescribed. The aedeagus of M. pallens is illustrated and compared with the aedeagi of M. calva (Say), M. dorsalis (Fitch), and M. malleifera Fowler.