Asian Citrus Psyllid
Diaphorina citri
Asian Citrus Psyllid , Asian Citrus Sucker , Citrus Psylla , Oriental Citrus Psyllid
1 of 4
1 of 4
The Asian Citrus Psyllid is a tiny insect that amounts to only half a centimetre long. Although small, these insects are extremely dangerous pests that can have devastating impacts on citrus plants. They're a sap-sucking true bug which feeds from the phloem of plants; these are the cells responsible for transporting sugars to different areas of the plant. They do this using their mouthparts which resembles a fine feeding tube. This needle-like structure makes them perfect vectors to pass pathogens on to other plants. More specifically, these insects are carriers of Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease), and this is a fast killer of citrus plants.
Traits
These insects carry a nasty disease that's a killer of citrus plants.
Appearance
Adults are 3-4mm. They're mottled yellowish-brown. The head is light brown. The stomachs are more of a green-brown colour.
The females can sometimes appear brighter yellow; this means they're almost ready to begin egg-laying.
Nymphs are often confused with aphids. They're yellow to dark brown and have distinctive red eyes. They're only about 0.25mm.
Symptoms
Young flowers may drop and fall prematurely.
Fruits begin to fall prematurely.
Fruits begin to taste bitter.
Honeydew, a digestion byproduct, may be evident over the leaves of citrus.
These psyllids inject a toxin into plants when feeding. This can distort leaves and shoots, sometimes causing leaf-curl.
Plant die backs may be evident.
Plants don't usually survive.
Activity
Diurnal
Personality
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Psyllidae
Metamorphosis
Incomplete
Distribution
Asia and the USA
Attracts
Citrus plants are particularly vulnerable.
Be the first to download the app
Help us build a place where community meets knowledge. Try it out and let us know what you think.
