Agallia

Curtis, 1833

Agallia is a of in the Megophthalminae, erected by John Curtis in 1833. The genus contains approximately eight described in North America, with species distributed across the western Palaearctic realm and the Americas. Some species are known agricultural pests, including A. albidula, which phytoplasmas causing in citrus. Courtship in A. constricta involves distinctive with alternating ticking sounds between sexes.

Agallia quadripunctata by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Agallia quadripunctata by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Agallia deleta by (c) David LaMagna, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David LaMagna. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agallia: /əˈɡæliə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of Agallia can be distinguished from other by their placement in the tribe Agalliini within Megophthalminae. Specific diagnostic features for the genus are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

have been documented in citrus orchards (A. albidula in Brazil). Broader preferences for the remain unspecified.

Distribution

Western Palaearctic realm; the Americas. Approximately eight occur in North America. Distribution records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont (United States).

Host Associations

Citrus - A. albidula collected from citrus orchards with Huanglongbing-like ; used in transmission experiments
'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni' (16SrIII-AD subgroup) - A. albidula demonstrated as of this phytoplasma causing in citrus

Behavior

During and mating, males and females of A. constricta alternate in producing ticking sounds.

Ecological Role

A. albidula functions as a , transmitting phytoplasmas that contribute to spread of Huanglongbing-like in citrus.

Human Relevance

Agricultural pest significance: A. albidula phytoplasmas affecting citrus production in Brazil. The has been used in cytological research, with A. constricta AC-20 serving as a model for studying with diffuse kinetochores and holokinetic chromatin movement.

More Details

Cytological significance

A. constricta AC-20 has been extensively studied for its unusual mitotic mechanics, including diffuse kinetochores and holokinetic anaphase chromatin movement, making it a model organism for cell biology research.

Taxonomic note

The is classified in tribe Agalliini, Megophthalminae, . The Global Information Facility and iNaturalist document approximately 8 described in the genus.