ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID

Common Name: Asian Citrus PsyllidScientific Name: Diaphorina citri

Region or Origin and Year of Introduction: Southern Asia, 1998State or Body of Water where first discovered: Imported plants in Florida

Transport – How is it spread: Movement of several nursery plants

Identification: 3-4 mm, live for 1-2 months, shape of head causes body to be at 45 degree angle when bent to eat

Similar Species:

Pictures of Species with unique identification tips and life cycle:

Small insects (3-4 mm)Egg to 5 nymphal instar stages to adult

Distribution Map:

2006 2015Habitat Characteristic as diet, behavior, niche, species displacement, trophic level: Injects a salivary toxin on plants while it feeds. Toxin causes malformation of leaves and shoots.

Ecological Impacts: Damages citrus plants by feeding on sap, vector for citrus greening diseaseBiological Impacts: Decline in citrus productionEconomic Impacts: Decline in citrus production affects industryHuman Health Impacts: NONE

Control Methods: Fed on by parasites, Admire (systemic insecticide) & neonicotinoid/ pyrethroid

Laws or Regulations: Federal Initiatives and PlansIPM (integrated pest management) practices developed to prevent damage