Pexopsylla cercocarpi
Jensen, 1957
Pexopsylla cercocarpi is a of jumping plant louse ( Psyllidae) described by Jensen in 1957. The specific epithet "cercocarpi" indicates an association with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany), a of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae. Like other psyllids, this species is likely a phloem-feeding on its plant. The genus Pexopsylla is part of the diverse fauna of western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pexopsylla cercocarpi: //ˌpɛksəˈsɪlə ˌsɜrkəˈkɑːrpi//
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Distribution
Known from California (CALOO). The name suggests occurrence in regions where Cercocarpus plants are found, which includes mountainous areas of western North America from the Sierra Nevada to the Rocky Mountains.
Diet
Phloem sap from plants, inferred from -level feeding of Psyllidae. The name indicates Cercocarpus as the host plant.
Host Associations
- Cercocarpus - plantIndicated by specific epithet 'cercocarpi'; Cercocarpus is a of mountain mahogany in Rosaceae
More Details
Taxonomic note
The name Pexopsylla and specific epithet cercocarpi were established by Jensen in 1957. The epithet directly references Cercocarpus, a common pattern in where names reflect plant associations.
Host plant context
Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) is a favored for numerous jewel beetles (Buprestidae), with about two dozen associated with this plant in North America. The co-occurrence of P. cercocarpi on the same host suggests this plant supports a diverse specialized insect fauna.