Homotoma ficus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Mediterranean fig psyllid, fig psylla

Homotoma ficus is a Mediterranean in the Homotomidae, commonly known as the Mediterranean fig psyllid or fig psylla. It has been introduced to regions outside its native range, including Serbia, through the of fig plants. The species can cause economic damage to its plant in certain years. First described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Chermes ficus, it is now classified under the Homotoma.

Homotoma ficus by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.Homotoma ficus 8528725 by portioid. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Feigenblattsauger by Burkhard Hinnersmann. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Homotoma ficus: //hoʊˈmɒtoʊmə ˈfaɪkəs//

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Habitat

Associated with cultivated fig plants (Ficus carica); specific microhabitat preferences not documented in available sources.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean region. Introduced to Serbia where it has been found in 12 localities. Records also indicate presence in North America based on GBIF data, though these may represent additional introduced .

Diet

Phloem sap feeder on Ficus .

Host Associations

  • Ficus carica - primary Cultivated fig; primary for feeding and
  • Ficus - -level Broader Ficus association documented for congeneric

Life Cycle

, larva (nymph), and stages have been described with illustrations. Multiple nymphal instars occur. Specific developmental duration and voltinism not documented in available sources.

Human Relevance

Agricultural pest of cultivated fig (Ficus carica). Can cause economic damage to plants in certain years, though damage severity varies annually. Introduced outside native range are associated with fig .

Similar Taxa

  • Homotoma eastopiCongeneric also associated with Ficus ; distinguished by geographic distribution (southern Cameroon vs. Mediterranean/introduced range of H. ficus) and presumably morphological details of stages
  • Trioza brevigenaeAnother associated with Ficus; distinguished by leaf-rolling gall formation on Ficus microcarpa rather than direct feeding damage on F. carica

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Sources and further reading