Origin

Diaphorina citri, Asian citrus psyllid, is native to Asia. This insect is a vector for citrus greening which is a serious citrus disease caused by bacterial pathogens. Adult D. citri grow from 0.12-0.16 inches (3-4 mm) long. They have a mottled brown body with a light brown head. The forewing is broadest at the tip with a brown mottled band around the outside edge. The antennae are black at the tips. Nymphs are usually yellowish orange and may resemble aphids.

Life Cycle

Female D. citri lay their eggs on the growing shoots and between unfurling leaves of citrus. Nymphs pass through five instars before reaching maturity in from 15 to 47 days. There are nine to 10 generations per year. Adults may live for several months.

Distribution

D. citri has been reported in Africa, Central America, South America, Afghanistan and the Caribbean. D. citri have been reported in several states and some territories of the United States.

Control Efforts

Diaphorina citri is the vector for a serious citrus disease called citrus greening. Quarantines are part of the plan to slow their spread to new areas. Unmanaged citrus groves may act as a place of safety for D. citri, allowing them to reinfest managed groves from these unmanaged groves. Common predators that give some biological control of D. citri include generalists such as ladybeetles, syrphid flies, and spiders.

Resources

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• Featured Creatures - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry and University of Florida
• Data Sheets on Quarantine Pests - European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization

Selected Images

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Invasive Listing Sources

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• South Carolina Plant Pest List

References

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Common Name Reference: Web Search - http://entweb.clemson.edu/caps/state/survey/exotic/pnkto/pnkto.htm
Scientific Name Reference: Web Search - http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/psyllid/psyllidframe.html