Carsidaridae

Subfamily Guides

Pachypsyllinae

is a of jumping plant-lice (psyllids) in the superfamily Psylloidea. The family has a worldwide distribution with greater representation in the southern hemisphere. It comprises three : Carsidarinae, Homotominae, and Pachypsyllinae. Several are known agricultural pests, including Allocarsidara species on durian and Mesohomotoma tessmanni on cocoa.

Carsidaridae by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Hackberry Nipple Gall (Pachypsylla celtidismamma) - Kitchener, Ontario 01 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Tetragonocephala flava by Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org - See more at: http://www.insectimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0014093#sthash.EOoMWgR6.dpuf. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carsidaridae: /kɑːr.sɪˈdærɪdiː/

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

Identification

Members of can be distinguished from other by features of wing venation and genitalia; however, family-level diagnostic characters require examination. The Homotominae was previously treated as a separate family (Homotomidae).

Images

Habitat

Associated with plants including Firmiana simplex (Malvaceae), Theobroma cacao (Sterculiaceae), Octolobus spectabilis (Sterculiaceae), and durian (Malvaceae).

Distribution

Worldwide with greater representation in the southern hemisphere; recorded from eastern Asia (type Carsidara), Japan, Korea, and Cameroon.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on plants; specific dietary details at level are not established.

Host Associations

Firmiana simplex - Immatures free-living on leaves
Theobroma cacao - Pest Mesohomotoma tessmanni
Octolobus spectabilis - Pest Mesohomotoma tessmanni
Durio - Allocarsidara considered pests

Life Cycle

Immatures are free-living on plant leaves. In at least one (Carsidara limbata), older instars secrete large amounts of flocculent wax and honeydew.

Behavior

Older instars of some produce copious flocculent wax secretions and honeydew.

Ecological Role

Some function as pests of cultivated plants. Carsidara limbata has been discussed as a potential agent for Firmiana simplex in North America. Mesohomotoma tessmanni is subject to biological control by (Encyrtidae and Figitidae) in Cameroon.

Human Relevance

Allocarsidara are recognized as pests of durian. Mesohomotoma tessmanni is a pest of cocoa in Cameroon. Carsidara limbata has been investigated for potential use in of an tree species.

Similar Taxa

PsyllidaeBoth are within Psylloidea; differs in wing venation and genitalia
TriozidaeBoth are within Psylloidea; includes the former family Homotomidae as Homotominae

More Details

Subfamily classification

A 2021 review recognized three : Carsidarinae (Crawford, 1911), Homotominae (Heslop-Harrison, 1958; previously treated as Homotomidae), and Pachypsyllinae (Crawford, 1914).

Notable genera

Includes type Carsidara Walker, 1869 from eastern Asia; Mesohomotoma Kuwayama, 1908; Tyora Walker, 1869; Homotoma Guérin-Méneville, 1844; and Pachypsylla Riley, 1885.