Triozidae

Definition

A family of true bugs (Hemiptera) in the superfamily Psylloidea, commonly known as plant lice or psyllids. Triozidae is distinguished from the larger family Psyllidae by morphological and molecular characters, and together with six other families comprises the recently reclassified psyllid lineage. Members are small, sap-feeding insects typically associated with specific host plants.

Etymology

From the type genus Trioza + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The cabbage psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli), a member of Triozidae, vectors the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which causes zebra chip disease in potatoes.

Related Terms

• Psyllidae
• Psylloidea
• Hemiptera
• Plant lice
• psyllid
• Trioza

Usage Notes

Triozidae was traditionally subsumed within Psyllidae; modern classifications recognize it as a separate family based on phylogenetic studies. The family is the third-largest in Psylloidea. Identification to family requires examination of wing venation, genitalia, or molecular markers. Common names 'plant lice' and 'psyllid' apply broadly across Psylloidea families.