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Asian citrus psyllid

Asian citrus psyllid

Diaphorina citri

A species of Diaphorina

The adult psyllid is about 4 mm long with a fawn and brown mottled body and a light brown head. It is covered with a whitish, waxy secretion which makes it look dusty. The forewings are broadest at the back and have a dark edging around the periphery with a pale gap near the apex. The antennae are pale brown with black tips. It typically adopts a head down, tail up posture. The psyllid nymph is a yellowish-orange colour and has no abdominal spots. The wing pads are prominent, especially in the later instars. The eggs are approximately 0.3 mm long, almond-shaped, thicker at the base and tapering toward the top. They are at first a pale colour but turn yellow and later orange before they hatch.The long axis is placed vertical to the surface of the leaf.

General Info About Asian citrus psyllid
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Attributes of Asian citrus psyllid
Colors
Brown
Gray
Habitat
citrus; lemon
Adult Food Sources
Sap of citrus tree leaves, phloem of citrus tree branches, phloem of lemon tree twigs, phloem of kumquat branches, phloem of other host plants within rutaceae
Larva Food Source
Sap of young shoots of citrus trees, phloem of citrus spp., sap of orange twigs, sap of grapefruit stems, phloem of other rutaceous plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Asian citrus psyllid feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Asian citrus psyllid
It originated in Asia but it is now also found in parts of the Middle East, South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
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Distribution Area of Asian citrus psyllid
Southern Asia
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Appearance of Asian citrus psyllid
The adult psyllid is about 4 mm long with a fawn and brown mottled body and a light brown head. The forewings are broadest at the back and have a dark edging around the periphery with a pale gap near the apex. The antennae are pale brown with black tips. The psyllid nymph is a yellowish-orange color and has no abdominal spots. The wing pads are prominent, especially in the later instars. The eggs are approximately 0.3 mm long, almond-shaped, thicker at the base and tapering toward the top. They are at first a pale color but turn yellow and later orange before they hatch. The long axis is placed vertical to the surface of the leaf.
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How to Identify Asian citrus psyllid?

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Life Cycle of Asian citrus psyllid
Egg The egg of the asian citrus psyllid is typically laid on the underside of leaves. During this initial phase, the egg will be small, often oval, and blend in with the plant to avoid predators.
Nymph Emerging from the egg, the nymph resembles a miniature, wingless adult. The asian citrus psyllid undergoes several molts, increasing in size, and gradually developing wing buds. It feeds actively, often on the same host plant it was born on.
Adult Completion of development results in the winged adult asian citrus psyllid. Its size, coloration, and shape are fully formed, with functional wings and reproductive structures. The adult's primary functions are dispersal and reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Asian citrus psyllid
Birds, spiders, lizards, lady beetles, parasitic wasps
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Interesting Facts About Asian citrus psyllid
Asian citrus psyllid can manipulate plant defenses using a specialized secretion to create a safe feeding site on its host.
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Scientific Classification of Asian citrus psyllid
Tips for Finding Asian citrus psyllid
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Youth Habitat of Asian citrus psyllid
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Asian citrus psyllid
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Asian citrus psyllid
Yellow sticky traps baited with methyl salicylate, a compound that asian citrus psyllid finds attractive.
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Habitat Preferences of Asian citrus psyllid Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of asian citrus psyllid are typically found on the tips of growing shoots of citrus plants. Nymphs reside on new flush growth, where they feed and develop, often camouflaged among the foliage. To search for nymphs, inspect the underside of leaves and stems on new growth. Adults prefer the same habitat as nymphs, but with added mobility, they can also be found on mature leaves and sometimes in the crevices of the bark. When looking for adults, check the foliage and branches of citrus trees carefully at different times, as adults may fly away when disturbed.
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How and Where Can You Find Asian citrus psyllid at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of asian citrus psyllid are tiny and usually laid on the underside of young citrus leaves. To find them, closely inspect new flush growth on host plants using a magnifying glass.
Nymph Asian citrus psyllid nymphs are small and less mobile than adults. Look for them clustered on new, tender shoots and under leaves of host plants. They are often found in the presence of waxy secretions.
Adult Adult asian citrus psyllid can be found on the foliage of host plants. Search by carefully examining both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, particularly on new growth. Adults may also be attracted to yellow sticky traps.
Are Asian citrus psyllid harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Asian citrus psyllid
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Agricultural Pests

When asian citrus psyllid infest citrus crops, both adults and nymphs feed on plant fluids, compromising the plants' vigor and productivity. Mild attacks may slightly stress plants, but severe infestations can cause leaf curl, dieback, and reduced yield. The pest also vectors serious plant diseases, notably huanglongbing, which can decimate entire orchards and significantly impact citrus production, with ramifications for human food supply.

More Effects of Asian citrus psyllid

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