Cacopsylla negundinis
(Mally, 1894)
boxelder psyllid
Cacopsylla negundinis is a in the Psyllidae, order Hemiptera. Like other members of its , it is a phloem-feeding insect that uses to extract plant sap. The species is associated with boxelder (Acer negundo) as a plant. As with related Cacopsylla species, it likely undergoes a single per year with .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cacopsylla negundinis: /ˈkækəʊˌsɪlə nɪˈɡʌndɪnɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Cacopsylla by association with boxelder (Acer negundo) rather than pear, citrus, or boxwood. are small, winged insects resembling miniature cicadas with prominent . Nymphs produce waxy filaments typical of the . Specific morphological characters separating C. negundinis from require examination.
Habitat
Associated with boxelder (Acer negundo) in both natural and urban settings. Found in areas where trees occur, including riparian corridors, shelterbelts, and residential plantings.
Distribution
Recorded from Alberta (AB), Arizona (AR), Colorado (CO), Iowa (IO), and China (CN) based on available distribution data.
Seasonality
active in spring, with nymphs developing on new boxelder growth. occurs as adults, with -laying in terminal buds.
Diet
Phloem sap of boxelder (Acer negundo). Feeding occurs on vascular tissue using .
Host Associations
- Acer negundo - primary boxelder
Life Cycle
Single per year. laid in terminal buds by . Nymphs hatch and develop on new foliage, producing protective waxy filaments. Adults emerge in late spring to early summer, feed, then seek overwintering sites.
Behavior
are capable jumpers, dispersing by when disturbed. Movement between plants occurs as seasons change and host availability shifts.
Ecological Role
Phloem feeder that may cause leaf cupping and distortion on boxelder. Serves as prey for and . Role in transmission to boxelder is not documented.
Human Relevance
Minor ornamental pest on boxelder plantings. Damage is generally cosmetic; severe may cause leaf distortion. Chemical control rarely necessary.
Similar Taxa
- Cacopsylla pyricolaBoth are Cacopsylla with similar and , but C. pyricola is restricted to pear (Pyrus) and is a major agricultural pest.
- Cacopsylla buxiSimilar waxy filament production by nymphs and single- , but restricted to boxwood (Buxus) .
- Bactericera cockerelliBoth are psyllids with , but B. cockerelli is larger, has multiple per year, and is a serious of plant on solanaceous crops.
More Details
Gut content analysis potential
As demonstrated with related (C. pyricola, B. cockerelli), -based gut content analysis could potentially reveal landscape movements and non- plant use by C. negundinis, though this has not been specifically studied.
Taxonomic note
name derived from Acer (formerly Negundo). Some older literature may use synonym Psylla negundinis.