Craspedolepta suaedae

Members of Craspedolepta can be distinguished from related psyllid genera by wing venation patterns, particularly the arrangement of cells in the forewing, and by male genitalia structure. Specific identification of C. suaedae requires examination of these features; the species name suaedae indicates association with Suaeda host plants, which may aid in field recognition.

Arid and semi-arid environments where host plants in the genus Suaeda (seepweeds or saltworts) occur. These habitats include salt flats, alkaline soils, coastal marshes, and desert scrub with saline conditions.

Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora). Distribution records: AR, CA, NV, NM, TX (US states); NW Mexico.

Phloem sap of host plants in the genus Suaeda (family Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae).

• Suaeda - primary hostgenus of salt-tolerant plants; specific host species not confirmed in available sources

Herbivore; may contribute to nutrient cycling in saline habitats through phloem feeding on Suaeda. Potential prey for parasitoid wasps and other arthropod predators in these ecosystems.

No documented economic or agricultural significance. Of potential interest in studies of saline ecosystem ecology and host-specific herbivore-plant relationships.

• Other Craspedolepta speciesCongeneric species share similar wing venation and body plan; require genitalia examination or host plant association for reliable separation.
• Other Aphalaridae psyllids on chenopodsSeveral psyllid genera feed on Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae; wing cell patterns and host specificity distinguish Craspedolepta.

• psyllid
• Sternorrhyncha
• saline habitat
• host-specific
• Suaeda

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life