Bactericera arbolensis

(Crawford, 1910)

Bactericera arbolensis is a small first described from Arboles, Colorado in 1910. It is associated with Shepherdia species (buffaloberry), particularly Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and Canadian Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis). The species is poorly known, with few literature records from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. A 2014 observation from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado suggested potential wing variation or possible undescribed related species, highlighting the need for further study.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bactericera arbolensis: /bækˌtɛrɪˈsɛrə ˌarbəˈlɛnsɪs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from by association with Shepherdia plants and geographic range west of the Continental Divide. The medial of the forewing appears smaller than originally illustrated in the description, though whether this represents intraspecific variation or indicates a distinct requires further investigation. Separation from other Bactericera species relies on host plant association and subtle wing venation differences.

Habitat

Associated with Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and Canadian Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis). Records suggest occurrence in western montane and semi-arid regions where shrubs grow. One confirmed observation from a zoo environment suggests potential association with landscaped plantings of host .

Distribution

Known from limited records in Montana (Roosevelt County), Wyoming (Sweetwater County: Green River), and Colorado (Montrose County: Cimarron; LaPlata County: Durango; Archuleta County: Arboles—the type locality). All records except Montana are from west of the Continental Divide.

Seasonality

One observation recorded in late November, suggesting late autumn activity. Seasonal patterns otherwise undocumented.

Host Associations

Shepherdia argentea - primary Silver Buffaloberry
Shepherdia canadensis - primary Canadian Buffaloberry

Behavior

jump readily when disturbed, typical of psyllids. Movement between plants undocumented but inferred from .

Ecological Role

Phloem-feeding herbivore on native Shepherdia shrubs; ecological impacts unknown. No documented role as .

Human Relevance

No known economic or agricultural significance. Potential interest for biodiversity monitoring and native plant-insect associations. Not known to impact crops or ornamental plants.

Similar Taxa

Bactericera cockerellicongeneric and similar in general , but distinguished by association with Solanaceae crops (potato, tomato, pepper) rather than Shepherdia, and by distribution across broader agricultural regions
Other Bactericera speciesmorphologically similar psyllids in same ; separation requires examination of wing venation, particularly medial size, and plant association

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

A 2014 specimen from Colorado showed forewing medial dimensions inconsistent with the original description, raising questions about morphological variability or possible cryptic species. Expert Chris Mallory (Psyllids.info) noted this discrepancy, suggesting need for further collecting and study.

Rarity of Records

Despite 24 described Bactericera in North America north of Mexico, B. arbolensis remains among the most poorly documented, with fewer than ten literature records spanning over a century since description.