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.

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).

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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

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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.

Sources and further reading