Avocado
Guides
Dikrella
Dikrella is a genus of leafhoppers in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, tribe Dikraneurini, containing approximately 37 species distributed from the United States through Central America to South America. Members are small, delicate insects typically 3–4 mm in length. The genus has agricultural significance: Dikrella californica has been used as an intermediary host for the parasitic wasp Anagnus epos, employed in biological control of the western grape leafhopper. Several species are associated with economically important host plants including avocado and pequi.
Heilus
Heilus is a genus of weevils (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Molytini) established by Kuschel in 1955. The genus contains fourteen described South American species, with eleven species redescribed in a 2020 taxonomic review based primarily on Brazilian specimens. Species identification relies on integument texture and patterns of maculation. The type species is Heilus inaequalis (Boheman, 1836). Some species are associated with economically important plants, including avocado and cacao.
Phyllocnistis
Phyllocnistis is a genus of microlepidopteran moths in the family Gracillariidae, containing approximately 126 described species as of 2012. The genus is notable for its highly specialized larval biology: early instars are sap-feeding leaf miners that create distinctive serpentine subepidermal mines with median frass trails, while the fourth instar is a non-feeding, apodal stage specialized for cocoon construction. Adults are minute moths with wingspans generally under 5 mm, characterized by reduced compound eyes, vestigial maxillary palpi, and lanceolate white wings marked with yellow to orange striae.
Pseudacysta perseae
Avocado Lace Bug
Pseudacysta perseae is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, originally described by Heidemann in 1908. It is a significant foliar pest of avocado (Persea americana), causing characteristic damage to leaves. The species has undergone substantial range expansion from its original Caribbean distribution to include Mexico, the southern United States, and Central America. It has been introduced to California, where population genetic studies indicate at least two separate invasion events. The species passes through four nymphal instars and exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennal coloration, with adult males having a substantially darker fourth antennal segment.
Tetraleurodes
whitefly
Tetraleurodes is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) containing multiple species associated with woody plants in the Americas. Species such as T. perseae and T. ursorum are recognized as agricultural pests of avocado and citrus respectively. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns in adults and waxy secretions produced by nymphs. Multiple Eretmocerus species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) have been documented as parasitoids of Tetraleurodes in Mexico.