Triozidae

Triozidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triozidae: /triˈoʊzɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Potato psyllid by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.
Paratrioza cockerelli, adults dispersing from tip of plant by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.
Persimmon Psyllid - Baeoalitriozus diospyri, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, Virginia, May 31, 2023 (53513200911) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Baeoalitriozus diospyri, Persimmon psillid, AA COUNTY md,eggs 2018-06-01-15.38 (42504438701) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Baeoalitriozus diospyri, Persimmon psillid, AA COUNTY md,face 10x 2018-06-01-15.43.06 ZS PMax UDR (42452850222) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Baeoalitriozus diospyri, Persimmon psillid, AA COUNTY md,side 2018-06-01-15.51.19 ZS PMax UDR (28631573748) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Triozidae is the family of jumping plant lice, characterized by their unique wing structure and sap-feeding habits. It includes several genera that contain species known to cause damage to various plants.

Physical Characteristics

Forewings with veins Cu, M, and Rs intersecting at a single point, with the pterostigma absent; wings usually angulate at apex.

Identification Tips

Different genera may be identified by wing shape and the arrangement of vein intersections; species can often be distinguished by host plant associations.

Habitat

Found on various plants, particularly in areas with host plants suitable for feeding and reproduction.

Distribution

Approximately 950 species in 70 genera are recognized globally, with 80 species in our area.

Diet

Sap-sucking herbivores, primarily feeding on plant phloem.

Life Cycle

Typical life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Nymphs are usually found on host plants and undergo several molts before becoming adults.

Reproduction

Eggs are deposited on host plants, where nymphs emerge and begin feeding.

Predators

Natural predators may include various species of predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Ecosystem Role

Contribute to plant sap flow regulation; some species can be significant pests affecting plant health.

Economic Impact

Some species are known pests affecting crops and ornamental plants, which may lead to economic losses for agriculture.

Collecting Methods

  • Sweep netting
  • Sticky traps
  • Visual surveys on host plants

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying

Evolution

Triozidae is considered a monophyletic group, having diverged from other families of jumping plant lice.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other sap-sucking insects due to superficial similarities.

Tags

  • insects
  • hemiptera
  • sucking pests
  • pest management
  • plant lice