Body Color Research Articles

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the mechanism of carapace stripe formation in two closely related Marsupenaeus species

Marsupenaeus japonicus has two types of phenotypic differences that are mainly reflected in the stripe pattern of the carapace. However, the underlying mechanism regulating the stripe patterns is not clear. In the present study, we first observed the composition of pigment cells and detected the contents of different carotenoids in the carapace of M. japonicus. We clearly observed the setae structure on the carapace. There were red pigment cells in the stripe pattern and yellow pigment cells in the other parts. Both red pigment cells and yellow pigment cells showed dendritic morphology. In the carapace, the content of astaxanthin was the highest, significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of other carotenoids. Some differentially expressed genes between two pattern types of M. japonicus, may be associated with the body color formation, such as crustacyanin (CRCN), apolipoprotein D (ApoD), tubulin alpha-1 chain, cuticle protein, and ABC transporter, which were verified by quantitative PCR experiments. The amino acid composition and secondary structure of CRCN A2, CRCN C1, and ApoD were significantly different. The results of this study will help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the differential pattern formation of M. japonicus and provide a reference for further exploration of the formation mechanism of crustacean color.

Crecimiento, tasa de supervivencia, morfología corporal y color del pez cebra (Danio rerio) expuesto a la Nicotina

Although Nicotine is one of the most potent toxins in the world, it has been used as replacement therapy and has been given to patients through gums, dermal patches, lozenges and inhalers. Zebrafish are excellent model organisms and are widely used in biomedical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nicotine on the growth performance and survival rate of zebrafish larvae and juveniles. Four hundred and eighty (480) newly hatched larvae were divided into four experimental groups namely: Control (C, 0 mg·L–1), N1 (N1, 5 mg·L–1), N2 (N2, 10 mg·L–1) and N3 (N3, 20 mg·L–1) per liter of water. The results showed that Nicotine had an adverse effect on the growth and survival rate of zebrafish. In addition, morphological abnormalities were detected. The experimental groups exposed to Nicotine showed lower final weight and length compared to the control and were statistically significant. Of the dosage used in the present study, 20 mg·L–1 Nicotine had the most negative effect on growth and survival rate. The survival rate decreased in all exposed groups compared to the control. The maximum growth and the highest survival rate were recorded in the control group. It is proposed that Nicotine when incorporated in water can adversely affect the body morphology, color, growth and survival rate of zebrafish. Cautions should be taken when used as replacement therapy.

Synthesis and luminescence properties of Cr2O3-CaO-GeO2 glass and glass ceramics for broadband NIR-LEDs

We report the fabrication of novel 0.1Cr2O3-25CaO-75GeO2 glass and glass ceramics with wideband NIR luminescence and the annealing temperature dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) properties for applications as NIR phosphors. The anisotropic growth of Ca2Ge7O16 nanocrystals in the annealing samples was confirmed. Annealing-induced variations in the body colors and diffuse reflectance spectra suggest that change in the valence of Cr ions and their coordination environments. Broadband luminescence of 700–1300 nm attributed to the 4T2 → 4A2 transition of Cr3+ was observed for the as-made glass. The peak wavelength is shifted from 860 to 780 nm, and line-shaped 2E → 4A2 emission appears due to the crystallization of Ca2Ge7O16 by heat treatment. The PL quantum yield reaches the maximum at 0.19 when the sample is annealed at 775 °C, and the dependence on annealing temperature can be understood by the change in the PL lifetimes and diffuse reflectance spectra.

Morphometric Traits of Pote Goats Raised in Lowland Areas of Madura Island

This study aimed to investigated the morphometric characteristics of Pote goats, a local Indonesian goat breed found in Bangkalan Regency, East Java Province. A total of 139 respondents participated in the study, providing 622 female and male Pote goats aged over three months as research materials. This study employed a descriptive research method, including surveys and interviews, to retrieve data using purposive sampling technique. Quantitative data, such as body weight and body size, were analyzed descriptively using the average and standard deviation. Qualitative data, including body color, facial shape/profile, horns, beard, papillae, rewos fur, and udder shape, were analyzed using phenotypic frequency. The findings of this study revealed that Pote goats in Bangkalan are a small type of local Indonesian goat based on the body weight of an adult female and a large type based on shoulder height. Body weight and body size were found to increase with age. Furthermore, the dominant qualitative characteristics of Pote goats in Bangkalan include white color on the body, convex facial profile, drooping and widened ears with relatively short size, straight right and left horns, mane ruff, no papillae, and jug-shaped udder.

Molecular and Morphological Assessment of Juvenile and Adult Forms in the Giant Worm Eunice Cf. Aphroditois (Annelida: Eunicidae) and Its Phylogenetic Position in the Family.

Eunice aphroditois (Pallas, 1788) is a large polychaete worm (up to 3 m in length) and the type species of the genus. In Japan, a similar but potentially different species, Eunice cf. aphroditois, is distributed mainly in the rocky shores of the temperate and warm Pacific coasts. Juveniles and adults were suggested to be distinguished by their body color. The juvenile form was previously regarded as distinct species, Eunice flavopicta Izuka, 1912 and Eunice ovalifera Fauvel, 1936, although they are now considered synonymous with E. aphroditois. In this study, we revisited the validity of the present taxonomy based on morphological observations including SEM and microCT, and three molecular markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI], 16S rRNA, and histone H3 genes) and investigated the phylogenetic position of E. cf. aphroditois in the family Eunicidae using the combined dataset of three genes (COI + 16S rRNA + 18S rRNA). The adult and juvenile forms were different in body size, color, the distribution of the branchiae and subacicular hooks, and maxillae shape, but not in other characteristics. One individual showed an intermediate body color between the two forms. The adult and juvenile forms shared major haplotypes and the maximum K2P genetic distance of COI was 1.7%, which can be considered within intraspecific variation. In the phylogenetic tree based on the combined gene dataset, E. cf. aphroditois was closely related to Eunice roussaei Quatrefages, 1866 and Eunice cf. violaceomaculata Ehlers, 1887, which are large species from the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean Sea, respectively.

Comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses of wild and mutant Oujiang color common carp through editing SCARB1 gene by CRISPR/Cas technology

SCARB1 is an important gene for carotenoid functioning and maintaining body color. In this study, we examined wild red (SCARB1+/+), mutant red (SCARB1−/+), and mutant white (SCARB1−/−) fish to investigate changes in gene expression and metabolic processes using skin transcriptomics and blood metabolomics in Oujiang color common carp, Cyprinus carpio var. color. According to our findings, 85 and 30 genes for lipid transport and metabolism and 12 and 4 genes for retinol metabolism were significantly differentially expressed (DE) respectively between the comparison of pairs SCARB1−/− vs SCARB1+/+ and SCARB1−/− vs SCARB1−/+. Besides, 6 metabolites for lipid transport and metabolism and 1 metabolite for retinol metabolism were significantly DE in SCARB1−/− vs SCARB1+/+ pair comparison. Analysis of data from multiple omics systems revealed significant changes in metabolic pathways, including statin, lipid, and carotenoid pathways. Notably, downregulation in gene expression and blood metabolite levels was observed in the glycerophospholipid and retinol metabolic pathways in SCARB1−/− fish as a result of the SCARB1 gene knock out. Down-regulated genes such as dgkA, CYP27C1, and the l-serine, and 4-Oxoretinol metabolites of the glycerophospholipid and retinol metabolic pathway are likely to regulate the pigmentation mechanism and carotenoid production in the skin cells of SCARB1−/− fish. Our investigation into the effects of SCARB1 gene knock out has yielded valuable insights into carotenoid functioning and integrated networks. This information contributes to further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying carotenoid functioning and its correlation with genes related to the SCARB1 gene.

A long-ignored unique ecosystem of cavefishes in the southern karst: achievements, challenges, and prospects.

Cavefishes represent a taxon that has experienced natural selection pressures. This paper summarizes the results with respect to the taxonomy, diversity, phylogeny, and adaptation aspects of cavefishes research. It showed that: 1) These studies suggest that cavefishes play important roles in the study of geologic history and adaptation to extreme environments, but the mechanisms involved 168 species of cavefishes belonging to 17 genera, four families, and two orders have been recorded in China. Meanwhile, more new species are being discovered recently, and the species diversity of cavefishes are still underestimated, indicating the need to strengthen the survey in field. 2) The biogeography of cavefishes have focused on Sinocyclocheilus and Triplophysa, that have helped understand the geomorphology of karst areas in southern China and the spatial pattern of species diversity. These studies revealed the influences of evolution and geological history in Sinocyclocheilus, but there are still many species that have not been studied accordingly. 3) Some adaptive mechanistic studies have been conducted on cavefishes, primarily focusing on eye and body color degradation and energy metabolism in the genus Sinocyclocheilus to reveal adaptive mechanisms in the dark environment. 4) The IUCN list of protected cavefishes species in China only includes 21 species. The List of Key Protected Wild Animals for 2021 includes all species of Sinocyclocheilus as National Class II.It is necessary to strengthen the research on the biodiversity and adaptation and need consider the conservation actions for cavefishes.

On the Cicadellini genus Oragua Melichar, 1926 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) from Mexico, with description of a new species feeding on citrus orchards in the Dry Forest of Yucatán Peninsula

ABSTRACT A new Mexican species of Oragua Melichar, 1926 (O. balami sp. nov.) is described and illustrated from the Yucatán Peninsula based on specimens collected in Campeche (Campeche City and Castamay) and Yucatán (Ticul and Oxkutzcab) states. The new species is distinguished from other Neotropical species by the following combination of features: body color pale with orange marks on dorsum, head produced with anterior margin broadly rounded; pronotum narrower than head; forewing mottled with large orange spots; abdomen with inconspicuous apodemes; pygofer without appendages and dense long stout macrosetae over surface; aedeagus small, bulbous with one pair of twisted paraphyses with asymmetrical spines. A distribution map of available records of Oragua species recorded from southeastern Mexico is provided and a key to Mexican species is given. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:581F45F6-9177-4C23-B971-EB3DE7FB0F7A

Morphology, Behaviour and Evolution of Gallotia Lizards from the Canary Islands.

We summarize, here, the results from several studies conducted over many years on several endemic species of lizards (genus Gallotia) from the Canary Islands. Quantitative analyses show clear differences both among the species of every island and populations within each species. Sexual dimorphism exists in all analysed species, and a phylogenetic analysis shows that the degree of dimorphism did not change along the evolutionary history of the Canary Islands: species with large and small body sizes have a similar degree of sexual dimorphism, with male body size changes closely following those undergone by females. In G. caesaris (from El Hierro and La Gomera islands) and in G. stehlini (from Gran Canaria), longer hind limb length was correlated with more open habitats. Within most species, males are more conspicuous than females, mainly in terms of body size, behaviour and coloration pattern. Lateral colour spots are blue in most species and green in others. In G. galloti from Tenerife, male lateral spots have larger spot areas and percentage of reflectance in the ultraviolet/blue part of the spectrum than females. This trait shows a monthly variation along April to July, both in males and females, its magnitude being larger in May-June. Behaviour analysis, especially in the last species, shows a great diversity in behaviour patterns, and analysis of intrasexual male competition revealed that contest outcome depends on several morphological and colouration characteristics but mainly on the individual's behaviour. Detailed behavioural analyses were useful for managing a few captive individuals of the highly endangered G. bravoana from La Gomera island. Experimental analyses of some behaviours in the endemic Hierro island lizard (G. simonyi, in danger of extinction) show that individuals may learn to recognize predator models and increase their running speeds with training.

Karakteristik Fenotipik Sifat Kualitatif Kambing Lokal Di Kecamatan Bula Kabupaten Seram Bagian Timur

Expression of qualitative traits may represent several adaptive mechanisms related to adaptation and survival in different ecological zones where local goats are located. The purpose of this study was to study the phenotypic characterization of qualitative traits such as coat color and horn characteristics of local goats in Bula District, East Seram District. The research took place from October to November 2022 in Bula District, East Seram Regency, Maluku Province, because this area is an area for developing goat livestock where the population reaches 32.18% of the total ruminant livestock. Direct observation in the field (observatory design) of a total of 100 local goats randomly selected in 3 samples, namely Engglas Village, Bula Air, and Fault. The variables observed were qualitative characteristics related to outward appearances, such as body morphology, horns, back, ears, and color patterns. The results showed that local goats in Bula District had qualitative characteristics including a flat facial profile with normal eyes (100%), dominated by goats with horns (90%) and dangling ears (78%), with a concave dorsal line (100 %). The color pattern of the fur is still very varied, some are black (17%), white (20%), gray (16%), brown (23%) and the remaining 24% have a mixed color of black, white, and brown. Based on these qualitative characteristics, it belongs to the kacang goat breed.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis of red body color formation of crimson snapper, Lutjanus erythropterus

Crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) is a highly valued economic fish species, with its red body color being a crucial economic characteristic. A systematic study of skin pigmentation could offer insights into the mechanism of red coloration. In this study, we conducted the first network analysis of snapper transcriptomes during key developmental stages of pigmentation, identifying a cascade of cellular development and responsive gene modules and key genes, including eight developmental-specific modules. Among the four candidate hub genes (TNNT2, ROBO2, APBA2, and APOD), APOD was involved in pigmentation development. The network further revealed some key genes, such as TYRP1a, TYRP1b, PMEL, BCO1, BCO2, CYP2J2, CYP2J6, CYP3A4, PNPLA2, FABP6, ENPP7, and FFAR3, associated with melanin synthesis, carotenoids, and lipid metabolism. Our findings showed that pteridine and carotenoids were involved in yellow coloration after initial feeding, while yellow pigmentation-related genes (e.g., GCH1, PTS, SPR, CBR1, SCARB1, CD36, ABCA1, NpC1L1, etc.) had the same expression pattern at three days post-hatching (3 dph). At the red coloration emergence stage (45 dph), we observed an RNA level signal indicating the conversion of coloring substances from pteridine to carotenoids. These results substantially enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation and skin color variation in L. erythropterus, providing a theoretical basis for improving of body coloration in economically cultured fish and genetic breeding of ornamental fish.

Comparative performance of Kuzi Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and its crosses with Khaki Campbell with respect to growth, phenotypic parameters and carcass quality

To develop a suitable duck variety for egg type, one pilot study was undertaken to know the cross performance of Kuzi ducks with exotic duck breeds available in India. In the present study, comparative performance of Kuzi ducks and its two crosses with Khaki Campbell viz Kuzi × Khaki Campbell (DK) and Khaki Campbell × Kuzi (KD) were carried out with respect to juvenile growth, conformation, body colour and carcass quality. It was observed that significant differences exist between different genetic groups for body weights and Kuzi Ducks recorded higher body weights than its two crosses. The weight gain was more during two to seven weeks of age in all the three genetic groups irrespective of sex. Gain in body weight showed maximum gain during four to six weeks of age. This may be exploited in the future breeding programme. Multicolour plumage was dominant in all the three genetic groups. Shank colours were brown in most of the birds in DK and KD whereas pink in Kuzi. The study revealed that male ducks may be slaughtered at 12 weeks of age for meat purpose as thereafter they were not gain any significant body weight. It was found that the crosses of Kuzi and Khaki Campbell recorded lower body weight than Kuzi.

Possible Batesian mimicry to sexually different models in the tussock moth Numenes albofascia with a great sexual color dimorphism

AbstractMimicry with warning colors includes Batesian and Müllerian mimicries. If we divide mimicry by sex, there are theoretically four types of mimicry: unimodal, female‐limited, male‐limited and dual mimicry. The latter three cases cause sexual dimorphism in body color and marking pattern but are rarely reported. In this study, we show that the tussock moth Numenes albofascia is possibly a dual mimic. The wing color and marking pattern of male and female N. albofascia are completely different, with the male's pattern resembling that of the smoky moth Pidorus atratus, while the female pattern resembles that of the tiger moth Arctia caja. Body size also differs greatly between the sexes of N. albofascia, matching the mimicry model species of each sex. These moths are distributed sympatrically in Japan, and their adult seasons overlap with each other. According to lizard feeding experiments, N. albofascia is palatable, while both male and female model species are unpalatable. Actograms in the laboratory and the light trapping in the field suggest that females of N. albofascia fly actively from sunset to midnight, while males fly during the twilight period around dawn. Therefore, male and female N. albofascia might be Batesian mimics of diurnally active P. atratus and nocturnally active A. caja, respectively, and the great sexual dimorphism of this moth could be caused by dual mimicry.

Description of Calling, Courtship and Mating Behaviour of Six Species of the Genus Zyginidia (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae).

The vibrational communication and mating behaviour of the graminicolous leafhoppers Zyginidia pullula, Z. ribauti, Z. scutellaris, Z. serpentina, Z. sohrab, and Z. biroi were investigated to explain why the first five species hybridize. Z. biroi was used as a control species. All species behaved in the same way and no significant statistical differences were detected with regard to male calls, while female calls and the male courtship song differed in Z. biroi, thus showing that a specific pre-mating isolation mechanism was used by the latter species and the first five ones lacked such a mechanism. In addition, Z. sohrab is missing in Italy, while the other species live allopatrically in Italy, with the only exceptions being Z. serpentina and Z. biroi, which live in Sicily and are often found in sympatry, and Z. scutellaris and Z. biroi, which live in Sardinia. All these species can be distinguished by means of male genital appendages; however, Z. biroi is longer and has a different body colour. The existence of natural hybrids of Z. pullula, Z. ribauti, and Z. scutellaris in the Italian peninsula and their hybridization in the laboratory with Z. serpentina and Z. sohrab require the investigation of possible post-mating reproductive barriers before re-considering their systematic validity.

Phenotypic characterization of Harar and Ogaden cattle breeds of Ethiopia: The first step for conservation

Fourteen morphological and eight morphometric traits on a total of 456 adult cattle (354 cows and 102 oxen) from five purposively selected districts were recorded to characterize the cattle populations in eastern Ethiopia. Frequency, general linear model, and multivariate analysis procedures of Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.0) were used to analyze the data. The morphological similarities among the cattle populations from Tulo, Jarso, and Fedis districts confirm the presence of a unique cattle breed which was previously referred to as Harar cattle. The same was observed for the cattle populations from Jigjiga and Kebri Beyah districts which were previously referred to as Ogaden cattle. The Harar cattle are characterized by their forward-oriented, widely spaced, and medium-length horns while the Ogaden cattle possess upright-oriented, narrowly spaced short horns. The majority of the Ogaden cattle had gray body color while the Harar cattle possess multiple body colors where red and its combination with white and black colors are observed frequently. Most of the morphometric measurement values were higher for the oxen, while the cows had longer horns. Moreover, Ogaden cattle had higher morphometric measurement values than the Harar cattle. According to the multivariate analysis results the cattle populations in the study area were separated into two breeds; the Harar and Ogaden. However, these results only showed the phenotypic differences which might not necessarily be due to genetic differences. Therefore, further genetic characterization is recommended to understand their level of relationships which in turn helps to design conservation and breeding programs.

Comparison of Phenotypic Characters between Fat-Tailed Sheep (DEG) and Thin-Tailed Sheep (DET) in Dampit District, Malang Regency, East Java

The most of local sheep breeders in Indonesia are fat-tailed sheep called Domba Ekor Gemuk (DEG) and thin-tailed sheep called Domba Ekor Tipis (DET). The morphometric characterization of livestock is important for planning improvement, sustainable utilization, conservation strategies, and breeding programs. This study compares the phenotypic characters based on qualitative and quantitative traits between DEG and DET in Dampit District, Malang Regency. The data obtained will be useful for genetic improvement development programs and the selection of superior broodstock for breeding. Using 60 rams (30 DEG and 30 DET) range 1-2 years old in Dampit District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Data were collected by observing, measuring, and following the data farmers recorded. The qualitative characteristics observed were body color, head color, head profile, horn, back profile, wool, and tail. The quantitative traits were height, head length, head width, body length, chest girth, rump height, length of ear, length of tail, width of the tail, and body weight. The qualitative characteristic data descriptive-analytic method. Data was collected, then tabulated and analyzed by T-test. The results show that DEG has a dominant white body and head color, compared to DET, which shows more color variations, including white-brown, white-black, and full black, and for quantitative traits that significant difference (P<0.05) are body height, rump width and height.

Identification of key regulatory pathways and genes involved in the dynamic progression of pigmentation in Sinibrama taeniatus

IntorductionColoration is a prominent trait in fish that is closely linked to their market value. Fish exhibit a diverse range of body colors, making them an excellent model for studying molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation. Although regulatory pathways involved in pigmentation have been extensively studied in model fish such as zebrafish and medaka, the presence of varying chromatophore types across different fish species suggests that fish pigmentation mechanisms are not fixed. Therefore, more studies should be conducted on non-model fish. Sinibrama taeniatus is an endemic fish in the upper Yangtze River that is highly valued for its ornamental and edible properties.MethodsIn this study, we identified three chromatophore types in S. taeniatus and investigated changes in body color, chromatophores, and pigments at different developmental stages. Subsequently, RNA-seq analysis revealed that retinol metabolism, thyroid hormone synthesis, purine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism pathway are closely associated with pigmentation.ResultsWeighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified several hub genes, including mitf, wnt 9a, wnt10b, wnt11, adcy5, edn1, adcy8, and rdh8, that may play an important role in pigmentation.DiscussionOverall, our findings provide valuable insights into the role of genes and pathways in fish pigmentation and offer useful information for body color-based molecular breeding programs in aquaculture.

Species Diversity and Nesting Descriptions of Stingless Bees (Apidae; Meliponini) on Ambon Island

Stingless bees have an important role, namely as a potential pollinator for increasing the production of various plants, as well as producing honey and propolis. This study aims to obtain species diversity, morphological characters, morphometric characteristics of stingless bees and descriptions of types of nesting stingers. It was carried out from March to May 2021. Observations of the morphological characters of the worker strata included: body color, thorax, mesoscutum, mesoscutellum, propodeum, abdomen, forewing color, number of hammuli, posterior hair of the back tibia, and elliptical disc on the inside of the back basitarsus. While the morphometric strata of workers measured were: body length, head width, head length, eye width, malar space length, second flagellomere width, long wingspan and tegula, back tibia width, back basitarsus width. Observations of stingless beehives include: hive height, nest location/material, entry length and diameter, entrance color and texture. The results of the study of the stingless bee species found in Leihitu District were T. clypearis, and in Salahutu District were T. clypearis and T. fuscobalteata. The morphological character of the species of T. clypearis is the body has a brownish black color with a size of 3.36-3.56 mm, the belly color is blackish brown. Species T. fuscobalteata dominant body brownish black with a body size of 2.78-3.24 mm brownish yellow belly color. Description of the nest of T. clypearis species, namely: nest height 26-219 cm, entrance brown and black, hard and soft structure, entrance hole length 0.3-7 cm, diameter 0.3-4 cm. Types of nesting T. fuscobalteata were: nesting height 160-193 cm, entrance brown, hard and soft structure, entrance length 0.8-1.3 cm, diameter 0.3-1.2 cm. With nesting substrates namely wood, stone and iron.

DIVERSITY OF FISH CAUGHT IN THE BATANG JULU SOLOK SELATAN

DIVERSITY OF FISH CAUGHT IN THE BATANG JULU SOLOK SELATAN

Infection patterns of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter europaeus’ in Cacopsylla oluanpiensis, a psyllid pest of Pittosporum pentandrum

‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ is a genus of plant-associated bacteria that can be transmitted by insects of the superfamily Psylloidea. Since many members of this genus are putative causal agents of plant diseases, it is crucial in studying their interactions with the psyllid vectors. However, previous studies have mainly focused on few species associated with diseases of economic significance, and this may potentially hinder the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the ecology of ‘Ca. Liberibacter’. The present study showed that an endemic psyllid species in Taiwan, Cacopsylla oluanpiensis, is infected with a species of ‘Ca. Liberibacter’. The bacterium was present in geographically distant populations of the psyllid and was identified as ‘Ca. Liberibacter europaeus’ (CLeu), a species which generally does not induce plant symptoms. Analysis of CLeu infection densities in male and female C. oluanpiensis with different abdominal colors using quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that CLeu infection was not significantly associated with psyllid gender and body color. Instead, CLeu infection had a negative effect on the body sizes of both male and female psyllids, which is influenced by bacterial titer. Investigation on CLeu’s distribution patterns in C. oluanpiensis’s host plant Pittosporum pentandrum indicated that CLeu does not behave as a plant pathogen. Also, results showed that nymph-infested twigs had a greater chance of carrying high loads of CLeu, suggesting that ovipositing females and the nymphs are the main source of the bacterium in the plants. This study is not only the first to formally report the presence of CLeu in C. oluanpiensis and plants in the family Pittosporaceae, but also represents the first record of the bacterium in Taiwan. Overall, the findings in this work broaden the understanding of associations between psyllids and ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ in the field.