Asian Citrus Psyllid
Diaphorina citri
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameAsian Citrus Psyllid
DescriptionAsian citrus psyllids are tiny jumpy insects that spread the deadly Citrus Greening disease. Identify their unique 'tail-up' feeding posture to protect your citrus trees.
TypeInsect
FamilyLiviidae
GenusDiaphorina
TribeEuphyllurini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHemiptera
SubfamilyLiviinae
Features
- A small (3-4 mm), brownish-mottled insect (Diaphorina citri) that is the primary vector for the devastating Citrus Greening (HLB) bacteria
- Adult psyllids feed with their heads down and abdomens tilted upward at a characteristic 45-degree angle ('tail-up' position)
- Nymphs are yellowish-orange, flattened, and sedentary. They feed exclusively on the new, tender shoot growth (flushing) of citrus plants
- Nymphs produce white, waxy tubules or 'curly-cue' threads of honeydew that project from their rear ends. This wax is a primary diagnostic sign
- High populations of psyllids can cause stunting and twisting of young shoot tips and severe curling or distortion of leaves
- The greatest danger is not the feeding itself, but the transmission of the Candidatus Liberibacter bacteria, which causes terminal citrus decline
- Active year-round in warm climates, their population peaks whenever the citrus tree produces new growth (spring, summer, and autumn flushes)
- They can jump or fly short distances when disturbed, giving them the nickname 'jumping plant lice'. They are also easily carried long distances by wind
- Monitor for adults on the undersides of leaves and for yellow nymphs and waxy threads on any new, succulent shoot growth
- Control by applying systemic insecticides or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like the parasitic wasp Tamarixia radiata
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificDiaphorina citri
English (Alternate)ACP, Citrus psyllid
Hindiएशियाई सिट्रस सिलीड (Asian citrus psyllid)
Tamilஆசிய சிட்ரஸ் சைலிட் (Asiya sitrus sailid)
Teluguనిమ్మ పురుగు (Nimma purugu - Psyllid)
Malayalamസിട്രസ് സൈലിഡ് (Sitraṣ sailiḍ)
Kannadaನಿಂಬೆ ಹಾರುವ ತಿಗಣೆ (Nimbe hāruva tigaṇe)
Sanskritजम्बीर-कीट (Jambīra-kīṭa)
Bengaliসাইট্রাস সিলিড (Citrus psyllid)
Frenchpsylle asiatique des agrumes
Russianазиатская цитрусовая листоблошка (aziatskaya tsitrusovaya listobloshka)
Spanishpsílido asiático de los cítricos
GermanAsiatischer Zitrusblattfloh
