Acizzia jamatonica

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acizzia jamatonica: /əˈsɪziə ˌdʒæməˈtɒnɪkə/

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Summary

Acizzia jamatonica is a small sap-sucking insect native to Asia that has become widespread in the southeastern United States, particularly associated with invasive host plants like the silk tree. It displays a notable color variation and has large, divergent genal cones.

Physical Characteristics

1.3-1.9mm in length, general color yellowish-green in young specimens to dark red in mature individuals; genal cones large, divergent, and shorter than vertex; antennae 1.5 times as long as the width of the head; pterostigma broad and long; cubital cell moderately large.

Identification Tips

Look for the small size (1.3-1.9mm) and the color variation from yellowish-green to dark red in mature individuals; large, divergent genal cones.

Habitat

Frequent on host plants, specifically Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), which is invasive in the southeastern United States.

Distribution

Native to Asia, adventive in other regions; first recorded in Georgia, now widespread across the southeastern United States (North Carolina to Florida, Alabama, Tennessee).

Diet

Sap-sucking insect that feeds on the fluids of host plants, particularly the mimosa or silk tree.

Ecosystem Role

As a sap-sucking insect, it plays a role in plant ecology, potentially affecting the health of host plants.

Economic Impact

Considered an invasive pest as it feeds on plants that can be economically important or ornamental.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting from host plants
  • Light trapping

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinned specimens

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with related genera that also have similar feeding habits and affecting plants.

Tags

  • Psyllidae
  • invasive species
  • sap-sucking insect
  • Hemiptera
  • Albizia julibrissin