Asian Citrus Psyllid

Diaphorina citri

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Psylloidea
Family: Psyllidae
Subfamily: Diaphorininae
Genus: Diaphorina
Species: citri

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diaphorina citri: //ˌdaɪəfəˈraɪnə ˈsɪtraɪ//

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Summary

Diaphorina citri, or the Asian citrus psyllid, is an invasive sap-sucking insect that is a significant pest of citrus plants and a confirmed vector of citrus greening disease. Initially native to Asia, it has spread widely and poses a serious threat to global citrus production.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 3-4 mm long with a fawn and brown mottled body, light brown head, and a whitish waxy secretion making them appear dusty. The eggs are approximately 0.3 mm long, almond-shaped, pale initially but turn yellow and then orange before hatching. Nymphs are yellowish-orange and lack abdominal spots, moulting five times with prominent wing pads in later instars.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from aphids by behavior (more active, jumping) and morphological features such as 10-segmented antennae compared to 4-6 in aphids. The forewings are broadest at the back with a dark edging and pale gap near the apex.

Habitat

Primarily found on new shoots of Citrus and other Rutaceae. Nymphs feed on sap, usually on tender new leaves.

Distribution

Native to southern Asia, now found in parts of the Middle East, South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. First detected in Florida, USA in 1998 and is also found in Louisiana, Georgia, Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, and California.

Diet

Sap-sucking, mainly feeds on Citrus plants and other members of the Rutaceae family.

Life Cycle

Total life cycle lasts 15-47 days, with up to 10 generations per year depending on the season; no diapause occurs, populations are low in winter.

Reproduction

A female may lay up to 800 eggs in her lifetime, which takes a few months. Eggs are laid on the tips of growing shoots, between and near unfolding leaves.

Predators

Natural enemies include Brachygastra mellifica (predatory wasp), Tamarixia radiata (parasitoid wasp), and lady beetles.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a vector for citrus greening disease, which severely impacts citrus crops. Also influences the sap flow and health of host plants due to feeding behavior.

Economic Impact

Causes significant economic damage to citrus crops by transmitting citrus greening disease, leading to reduced fruit quality and quantity.