What is a phyllid?

Answer 1

Asian Citrus Psyllid: A New Pest Insect Threat to California Citrus and Citrus Greening: A Devastating Disease Spread by the Asian Citrus Psyllid

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (scientific name: Diaphorina citri) is a pest of citrus and its relatives that causes damage to new shoot growth and, more importantly, transmits the disease, Citrus Greening. This disease could ruin California's citrus industry if it should become established. The psyllid (pronounced sillid) is native to Asia and it has spread to Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. The Asian Citrus Psyllid has made it to the U.S. in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana where it came on infested nursery plants. Recently, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials confirmed the presence of the Asian Citrus Psyllid in Tijuana, Mexico. The presence of this psyllid just across the border from the U.S. is of great concern and efforts are underway to monitor for this pest in San Diego County. Inspection of traffic at border stations for this insect and its host plants is also being intensified. In one case, Asian citrus psyllids were found in a bouquet that a woman was carrying across the border. We urge all Santa Barbara County citizens not to bring plants, especially citrus and orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata, from anywhere outside the county and to report any suspicious insects, infestations, and/or plant damage on citrus to the Agricultural Commissioner's Office.

What is a psyllid?

Psyllids are tiny insects related to aphids, cicadas, leafhoppers, and whiteflies. They look like miniature versions of cicadas. They have needle-like mouthparts that they use to pierce and suck plant juices. Many different species of psyllids can be found in Santa Barbara County and most are specific to particular species of plants and trees. The Asian citrus psyllid feeds exclusively on citrus and related plants and is a threat because it can transmit the bacterium that causes citrus greening.

What the Asian Citrus Psyllid Looks Like:

Adult psyllids are small insects measuring 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long (3 to 4 mm), with mottled brown body and wings, and typically holds its body up at a 30° to 45° angle when feeding. They are usually found on the underside of the leaves. Young psyllids, called nymphs, are much smaller than the adults. They are flat and wingless with a yellowish-orange color. They feed in the new leaf flush of the plant. Nymphs also produce a white, tubular wax secretion which can be seen on the new growth.

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