Calophya

Löw, 1879

jumping plant lice

Species Guides

7

Calophya is the type of the Calophyidae, containing at least 69 described . Members are gall-forming psyllids that feed on phloem and induce galls on plants, primarily in the family Anacardiaceae. Several species have been investigated as agents for plants, particularly Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia). The genus shows high host specificity, with most species completing development only on specific host plants.

Calophya californica by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Calophya californica by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Calophya californica by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calophya: //kəˈloʊfiə//

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Identification

Calophya are distinguished from other by their placement in the Calophyidae. Species-level identification requires examination of morphological characters, particularly of the genitalia and wing venation. Gall on plants can provide diagnostic clues for some species.

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Habitat

Associated with plants in the Anacardiaceae, particularly Schinus . Native ranges include Brazil and southern Chile, with some species evaluated for introduction to Florida, USA for purposes.

Distribution

Native distribution includes South America, with records from Brazil and Chile. Some have been evaluated for introduction to North America (Florida, USA) as agents.

Seasonality

Some exhibit with periods in Mediterranean climate zones; seasonal activity is synchronized with plant .

Diet

Phloem-feeding; induces galls on plant tissues.

Host Associations

  • Schinus terebinthifolia - primary Brazilian peppertree; supports complete development for multiple Calophya including C. lutea, C. terebinthifolii, and C. latiforceps
  • Schinus polygama - for C. rubra and C. mammifex in southern Chile

Life Cycle

to development occurs within galls on plants. Some exhibit with periods in response to seasonal conditions.

Behavior

Induces galls on plant leaves or stems through feeding activity. High host specificity with oviposition and development largely restricted to specific host plants.

Ecological Role

Gall formation damages plant tissues. Several have been evaluated as agents for Brazilian peppertree in Florida.

Human Relevance

Investigated as agents for Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida. specificity testing has been conducted to assess safety for non-target release.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Psylloidea generaCalophya is distinguished by gall-forming and -level characters of Calophyidae; most other psyllids do not induce galls

More Details

Biological control evaluation

Multiple Calophya (C. lutea, C. terebinthifolii, C. latiforceps) have undergone extensive specificity testing for potential release in Florida. Testing on 97 plant species demonstrated that C. lutea oviposited on nine species and C. terebinthifolii on five species, but complete development with occurred only on Brazilian peppertree.

Gall structure

Galls induced by Calophya exhibit complex anatomical and histochemical alterations, including specialized nutritive-like tissue and storage tissue compartments. Gall varies between species and is influenced by plant organ structure.

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Sources and further reading