Liviidae

Definition

A family of plant lice (suborder Sternorrhyncha, order Hemiptera) comprising approximately 19 genera of psyllid-like insects that feed on vascular plant tissues. Members are typically small, jumping insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, often associated with specific host plants and sometimes implicated in plant disease transmission.

Etymology

Example

Species in Liviidae include jumping plant lice that infest olive, citrus, and other woody plants, with some genera such as Euphyllura and Cacopsylla recognized as agricultural pests.

Related Terms

• Sternorrhyncha
• Hemiptera
• Psyllidae
• Triozidae
• Plant lice
• Jumping plant lice
• phloem feeding
• Vector

Usage Notes

Liviidae is one of several families historically grouped as 'jumping plant lice' or 'psyllids,' though modern taxonomy treats Psyllidae, Triozidae, and Liviidae as distinct families. The family is less commonly referenced in agricultural literature than Psyllidae or Triozidae, and specialists may encounter it in regional faunal treatments or phylogenetic studies of Sternorrhyncha. The ~19 genera estimate reflects current catalogues but may shift with taxonomic revision.