Bactericera shepherdiae

(Tuthill, 1938)

Bactericera shepherdiae is a small in the Triozidae, described by Tuthill in 1938. It is associated with buffaloberry plants (Shepherdia spp.), specifically Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and Canadian Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis). The species is poorly documented and appears to be uncommon, with limited records from western North America. It is one of approximately 24 Bactericera species known from North America north of Mexico.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bactericera shepherdiae: /bækˌtɛˈɹɪsɛɹə ˌʃɛˈfɝdi.aɪ/

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

Identification

Bactericera shepherdiae is distinguished from by its association with Shepherdia plants. Specimens show variation in wing venation, particularly the size of the medial of the forewing, which may be smaller than originally described. The is approximately 2.6–4.5 mm in length (including wings), with coloration ranging from light green to greenish-gray. Definitive identification requires examination of host association and genitalic .

Habitat

Associated with buffaloberry shrubs (Shepherdia argentea and Shepherdia canadensis), which occur in riparian areas, open woodlands, and shrublands. The plants are not commonly found along the Front Range of Colorado, suggesting the may be more abundant in other portions of its range.

Distribution

Recorded from Montana (Roosevelt County), Wyoming (Sweetwater County: Green River), and Colorado (Montrose County: Cimarron; LaPlata County: Durango; Archuleta County: Arboles). Most records are from west of the Continental Divide. were collected from Arboles, Colorado.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on Shepherdia argentea and Shepherdia canadensis. Like other psyllids, it penetrates plant phloem to suck sap.

Host Associations

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

Behavior

are active and capable of jumping when disturbed. Movement between plants likely occurs as seasons change and host availability varies.

Ecological Role

As a phloem-feeding on buffaloberry, this contributes to local insect diversity and may serve as prey for and . Its narrow specificity suggests a long evolutionary association with Shepherdia.

Human Relevance

No known economic importance. Not a crop pest. May occasionally be encountered in ornamental plantings of buffaloberry.

Similar Taxa

Bactericera arbolensisClosely related and morphologically similar also associated with Shepherdia; distinguished by forewing medial size and geographic distribution
Other Bactericera speciesApproximately 24 in North America; most are distinguished by plant association and subtle morphological differences in genitalia and wing venation

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

A 2017 observation from Colorado Springs, Colorado, initially identified as B. shepherdiae, showed forewing medial dimensions inconsistent with the original description. Expert commentary suggested this could represent intraspecific variation or an undescribed related . The type series consisted of 3 males and 4 females collected by C.F. Baker in Arboles, Colorado.

Documentation Status

This is among the majority of psyllids that are poorly known, keeping a low profile on native plants. Few literature records exist, and it is not considered abundant or conspicuous.