Psyllid Species Research Articles

Host range testing of Tamarixia dryi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) sourced from South Africa for classical biological control of Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Europe

The African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae, vectors citrus greening or huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The psyllid has been reported from mainland Europe, where it is rapidly spreading from the northwest to the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. In order to reduce its spread and population levels, a classical biological control program with the parasitoid Tamarixia dryi is under development in Spain. We evaluated the host specificity of T. dryi using 11 non-target psyllid (NTP) species, including five species of the genus Trioza. The psyllids were selected based on phylogenetic and ecological criteria. Tamarixia dryi exhibited a high host specificity. Females did not parasitize any of the 11 NTPs tested, except for one nymph of a gall-forming Trioza species closely related to Trioza montanetana. Tamarixia dryi only laid one egg on a nymph when it was removed from the gall on Convolvulus canariensis and exposed directly to the parasitoid. However, the immature parasitoid died before emerging. We further confirmed that T. dryi did not parasitize a representative triozid species, Trioza laurisilvae, of the endemic Canarian fauna after long time exposure. Our results demonstrate that T. dryi is a highly specific parasitoid and its introduction, release and establishment in Europe within the classical biological control program of T. erytreae should not affect other psyllid species. Therefore, no significant environmental impact is expected.

Host and Non-host 'Whistle Stops' for Psyllids: Molecular Gut Content Analysis by High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Landscape-Level Movements of Psylloidea (Hemiptera).

Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) are phloem-feeding insects that tend to be highly specific in their host plants. Some species are well-known agricultural pests, often as vectors of plant pathogens. Many pest psyllids colonize agricultural fields from non-crop reproductive hosts or from non-host transitory and winter shelter plants. Uncertainty about which non-crop species serve as sources of psyllids hinders efforts to predict which fields or orchards are at greater risk of being colonized by psyllids. High-throughput sequencing of trnL, trnF, and ITS was used to examine the dietary histories of three pest and two non-pest psyllid species encompassing a diversity of lifecycles: Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster) (Psyllidae), Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Triozidae), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Liviidae), Aphalara loca Caldwell (Aphalaridae), and a Cacopsylla species complex associated with Salix (Malphighiales: Salicaceae). Results revealed an unexpectedly high level of feeding on non-host species by all five psyllid species. The identification of the dietary history of the psyllids allowed us to infer their landscape-scale movements prior to capture. Our study demonstrates a novel use for gut content analysis-to provide insight into landscape-scale movements of psyllids-thus providing a means to pinpoint the non-crop sources of pest psyllids colonizing agricultural crops. We observed previously unknown psyllid behaviors during our efforts to develop this method and discuss new research directions for the study of psyllid ecology.

The Jumping Plant-Lice of Madeira Archipelago and Selvagens Islands (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) — New Records, Updated Checklist and Notes on Some Natural Enemies

The fauna of Psylloidea from Madeira Archipelago and Selvagens Islands is updated with the addition of four new records: Acizzia uncatoides, Cacopsylla fulguralis, Ctenarytaina spatulata and Platycorypha nigrivirga. The list of psyllids known from these islands now comprises 21 species. Two species of psyllids are cited for the first time from Selvagens Islands. Natural enemies associated with psyllids are cited as new records for Madeira, namely the anthocorid bug Anthocoris nemoralis and the encyrtid parasitoid wasp Psyllaephagus pilosus .

Acizzia errabunda sp. nov. and Ctenarytaina insularis sp. nov.: Descriptions of two new species of psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) discovered on exotic host plants in New Zealand.

A recent molecular-based assessment of the psyllid fauna of New Zealand reported two genetically distinct, undescribed psyllid taxa on host plants not native to that country. Here, a morphological examination confirmed species-level variation that resulted in the description of two new psyllid species: Acizzia errabunda sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from Acacia baileyana F. Muell and Ctenarytaina insularis sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) from Syzygium smithii (Poir.) Nied. Furthermore, the examination of specimens from entomological collections and from observations recorded on an online database enabled a better understanding of the distribution and host plant associations of these psyllid species. The description of A. errabunda is based on material collected in both New Zealand and Australia from the same plant species, A. baileyana, whereas the psyllid C. insularis has been found to be present in Brunei and New Zealand on S. smithii and in New Caledonia on Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T. Blake.

Investigations on pear psyllids as vectors of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in Austria

Investigations of pear psyllids in four pear orchards in lower Austria showed the presence of Cacopsylla pyri, C. pyricola and C. pyrisuga at all locations. Overall, 5.3% of the C. pyri, 3.9% of the C. pyricola and 8% of the C. pyrisuga individuals carried the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’. In transmission experiments the three pear psyllid species were able to transmit the phytoplasma to healthy pear seedlings.

An annotated checklist of the Cook Islands psyllids with keys to the species and two new records (Hemiptera, Psylloidea).

An annotated checklist of the psyllids of the Cook Islands is presented. The presence of Syntomozatahuata (Klyver, 1932) and Triozaalifumosa Klyver, 1932 in the archipelago, based on new material collected, is reported for the first time. This is the first record from these islands of the genus Syntomoza and the family Liviidae. An identification key to the psyllid species known from the Cook Islands is provided, and their origin and provenance are discussed in relation to their biogeographic implications.

Identification, sexual dimorphism, and allometric effects of three psyllid species of the genus Psyllopsis by geometric morphometric analysis (Hemiptera, Liviidae).

Jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) are considered important vectors of plant diseases and also economically important pests in agriculture and forest ecosystems. Three psyllid species Psyllopsis repens Loginova, 1963, Psyllopsis securicola Loginova, 1963, and Psyllopsis machinosus Loginova, 1963 associated with the ash tree Fraxinus are morphologically very similar. So far, their distinction has been possible only by comparing their male and female genitalia. In this research, forewing shape and size characteristics, sexual dimorphism and their allometric effects, using geometric morphometric analysis, were examined for identification purposes. The results showed significant differences in wing shape and size between the species studied. Based on the results, two species P. machinosus and P. securicola can be differentiated with the vein M1+2, as in P. securicola the vein M1+2 is located between Rs and M3+4 veins, but the vein M1+2 is closer to the vein M3+4 in P. machinosus; also, P. repens can be differentiated from the two species P. machinosus and P. securicola by vein M. Hence, the veins M1+2, M3+4, Rs and M were the most important wing characters for discrimination of the three species, especially in the field. The analysis also showed significant differences in wing shape and size between male and female of the three species, and the allometric analysis showed that significant shape differences still remain in constant size in P. machinosus and P. repens. Geometric changes in the forewings of both sexes for the three species are illustrated.

Bactericera trigonica and B. nigricornis (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) in Tunisia as potential vectors of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ on Apiaceae

ABSTRACTA new vegetative disorder was observed in Tunisian carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) fields consisting of leaf curling, a yellowish purply-bronze discolouration of the leaves, as well as a stunted carrot shoots with an abundance of secondary roots. The causal agent was recently proven to be a bacterium ’Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) which infects plants and seeds. Subsequently, using multiple sampling techniques, a wide-scale survey was carried out in all the symptomatic areas in order to identify the insects potentially capable of vectoring the bacterium. This revealed in all the symptomatic carrot fields two psyllid species, Bactericera trigonica and B. nigricornis (Förster, 1848), never before reported in Tunisia and shown in the literature to be vectors of Lso. In addition to carrot, surveys across Tunisia found these psyllid species on other host plants belonging to the Apiaceae family, such as wild fennel, celery and parsley, and confirmed the diversity of their host range and their potential to develop on many wild and cultivated plants. The possible phytosanitary risks which derive from the presence of these two insects on carrot and associated crops are discussed as well as their potential role as vectors of Lso.

Survival and development of potato psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae) on Convolvulaceae: Effects of a plant-fungus symbiosis (Periglandula).

Plant species in the family Solanaceae are the usual hosts of potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae). However, the psyllid has also been shown to develop on some species of Convolvulaceae (bindweeds and morning glories). Developmental success on Convolvulaceae is surprising given the rarity of psyllid species worldwide associated with this plant family. We assayed 14 species of Convolvulaceae across four genera (Convolvulus, Calystegia, Ipomoea, Turbina) to identify species that allow development of potato psyllid. Two populations of psyllids were assayed (Texas, Washington). The Texas population overlaps extensively with native Convolvulaceae, whereas Washington State is noticeably lacking in Convolvulaceae. Results of assays were overlain on a phylogenetic analysis of plant species to examine whether Convolvulaceae distantly related to the typical host (potato) were less likely to allow development than species of Convolvulaceae more closely related. Survival was independent of psyllid population and location of the plant species on our phylogenetic tree. We then examined whether presence of a fungal symbiont of Convolvulaceae (Periglandula spp.) affected psyllid survival. These fungi associate with Convolvulaceae and produce a class of mycotoxins (ergot alkaloids) that may confer protection against plant-feeding arthropods. Periglandula was found in 11 of our 14 species, including in two genera (Convolvulus, Calystegia) not previously known to host the symbiont. Of these 11 species, leaf tissues from five contained large quantities of two classes of ergot alkaloids (clavines, amides of lysergic acid) when evaluated by LC-MS/MS. All five species also harbored Periglandula. No ergot alkaloids were detected in species free of the fungal symbiont. Potato psyllid rapidly died on the five species that harbored Periglandula and contained ergot alkaloids, but survived to adulthood on seven of the nine species in which ergot alkaloids were not detected. These results support the hypothesis that a plant-fungus symbiotic relationship affects the suitability of certain Convolvulaceae to potato psyllid.

Prey preference and prey switching in Anthocoris minki Dohrn (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Abstract The understanding of host specificity of predacious insects is one of the most important problems in the investigation of biological control. Prey preference and the potential for prey switching in Anthocoris minki Dohrn (Hem.: Anthocoridae) was assessed in two- choice experiments under environmentally controlled conditions. Manly's preference index was used to compare A. minki predation on Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hem.: Psyllidae) versus Psyllopsis repens Loginova (Hem.: Psyllidae) but showed no statistically significant evidence for preference. Anthocoris minki did prefer psyllids (Agonoscena pistaciae and Psyllopsis repens) over aphids (Forda hirsuta Mordvilko (Hem.: Pemphigidae) and Aphis craccivora Koch (Hem.: Aphididae)). The predator also consumed significantly more 2nd instar than 4th instar nymphs of P. repens. Switching behavior experiments showed that A. minki did not preferentially attack the most abundant prey when the prey combination was either biased toward A. pistaciae or toward F. hirsuta. Linear regression between preference indices and prey ratios indicated an overall preference for psyllids over aphids. The results suggest that a psyllid-specialized feeder such as A. minki is more likely to be effective biocontrol agent against psyllid species and less effective at reducing the numbers of other pest species that might co-occur with psyllids.

Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Pear Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Chinese Pear Orchards

Pear psyllids are among the most damaging pests in pear orchards, but little knowledge exists of psyllid species in cultivated pear orchards in China. In this study, DNA sequence analyses of the 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) DNA regions were performed to identify pear psyllids from 28 regions of 20 provinces in China and to classify their genetic relationships to understand the origin of the species. The results showed that Cacopsylla chinensis Yang et Li (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was found in most pear orchards in China, but Cacopsylla qianli (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was found in only the cities of Guiyang (Guizhou province) and Xiangyang (Hubei province). The results for the 16S rDNA and COI regions were similar. Based on the nucleotide sequences and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA and COI, C. chinensis could be divided into three groups: lineages I, II, and III. Based on 16S rDNA and COI, lineage II showed approximately 4% and 3% difference from lineage I, and lineage III showed approximately 12% and 9% difference from lineage I, respectively. C. chinensis lineage I was found in most provinces of China, while C. chinensis lineage II samples were mainly found in the Bohai rim region of China, and lineage III samples were found in Northeast China. The results of this study will provide information to pear producers regarding effective control measures to prevent further damage from pear psyllids.

Taxonomy ofCalophya(Hemiptera: Calophyidae) Species Associated withSchinus terebinthifolia(Anacardiaceae)

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardaceae), native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. In its native range, at least 4 psyllid species of the genus Calophya (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) are associated with it. All 4 species are monophagous and constitute a likely monophyletic group that induce pit galls, usually on the upper leaf surface. Here we revise the taxonomy of these species, 2 of which are described as new, viz. C. lutea sp. nov. and C. praestigiator sp. nov. Morphological differences between the 4 species are detailed and relevant structures are figured. Keys for adults and the fifth instars are provided for the identification of the 8 species known to induce pit galls on Schinus species.

Unraveling the Host Plant Alternation of Cacopsylla pruni - Adults but Not Nymphs Can Survive on Conifers Due to Phloem/Xylem Composition.

Plant sap feeding insects like psyllids are known to be vectors of phloem dwelling bacteria (‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter’), plant pathogens which cause severe diseases and economically important crop damage. Some univoltine psyllid species have a particular life cycle, within one generation they alternate two times between different host plant species. The plum psyllid Cacopsylla pruni, the vector of European Stone Fruit Yellows (ESFY), one of the most serious pests in European fruit production, migrates to stone fruit orchards (Prunus spp.) for mating and oviposition in early spring. The young adults of the new generation leave the Prunus trees in summer and emigrate to their overwintering hosts like spruce and other conifers. Very little is known about the factors responsible for the regulation of migration, reasons for host alternation, and the behavior of psyllids during their phase of life on conifers. Because insect feeding behavior and host acceptance is driven by different biotic factors, such as olfactory and gustatory cues as well as mechanical barriers, we carried out electrical penetration graph (EPG) recordings and survival bioassays with C. pruni on different conifer species as potential overwintering hosts and analyzed the chemical composition of the respective plant saps. We are the first to show that migrating psyllids do feed on overwintering hosts and that nymphs are able to ingest phloem and xylem sap of coniferous trees, but cannot develop on conifer diet. Analyses of plant saps reveal qualitative differences in the chemical composition between coniferous trees and Prunus as well as within conifer species. These differences are discussed with regard to nutritional needs of psyllid nymphs for proper development, overwintering needs of adults and restriction of ‘Ca. P. prunorum’ to Prunus phloem.

Prey Acceptability and Preference of Oenopia conglobata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Candidate for Biological Control in Urban Green Areas.

Oenopia conglobata is one of the most common ladybird species in urban green areas of the Mediterranean region. We have obtained data about its prey acceptability and prey preferences. In a laboratory experiment, we investigated the acceptability of seven aphid and one psyllid species as prey for this coccinellid: the aphids Chaitophorus populeti, Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora Monelliopsis caryae, Eucallipterus tiliae, Aphis nerii (on white poplar, pomegranate, false acacia, black walnut, lime, and oleander, respectively), and the psyllid Acizzia jamatonica on Persian silk tree. These species are abundant in urban green areas in the Mediterranean region. In addition, we tested the acceptability of Rhopalosiphum padi on barley, an aphid species easily reared in the laboratory. We also tested preferences of the predator in cafeteria experiments with three aphid species and one aphid and the psyllid. Adults and larvae of the coccinellid accepted all of the preys offered, except A. nerii, with a clear preference for M. caryae. The predator also showed preference for M. caryae when it was offered in a cafeteria experiment with other aphid species or with the psyllid. The aphid R. padi obtained a good acceptability and could be used for rearing O. conglobata in the laboratory.

Symbionts in waiting: the dynamics of incipient endosymbiont complementation and replacement in minimal bacterial communities of psyllids

BackgroundObligate bacterial primary (P-) endosymbionts that are maternally inherited and codiverge with hosts are widespread across insect lineages with nutritionally restricted diets. Secondary (S-) endosymbionts are mostly facultative, but in some hosts, they complement P-endosymbiont function and therefore become obligate. Phylogenetic evidence exists for host switching and replacement of S-endosymbionts. The community dynamics that precede endosymbiont replacement and complementation have been little studied across host species, yet they are fundamental to the evolution of endosymbiosis.ResultsWe performed bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of 25 psyllid species (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) across different developmental stages and ecological niches by focusing on the characterisation of the bacteria other than the universally present P-endosymbiont Carsonella (Gammaproteobacteria). Most species harboured only one dominant representative of diverse gammaproteobacterial S-endosymbionts that was consistently detected across all host individuals and populations (Arsenophonus in eight species, Sodalis or Sodalis-like bacteria in four species, unclassified Enterobacteriaceae in eight species). The identity of this dominant obligate S-endosymbiont varied across closely related host species. Unexpectedly, five psyllid species had two or three co-occurring endosymbiont species other than Carsonella within all host individuals, including a Rickettsiella-like bacterium (Gammaproteobacteria) in one psyllid species. Based on standard and quantitative PCR, all psyllids carried Carsonella, at higher titres than their dominant S-endosymbionts. Some psyllids also had Alphaproteobacteria (Lariskella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia) at varying prevalence. Incidence of other bacteria, including known plant pathogens, was low. Ecological niche of gall-forming, lerp-forming and free-living psyllid species did not impact endosymbiont communities. Two flush-feeding psyllid species had population-specific differences, and this was attributable to the higher endosymbiont diversity in native ranges and the absence of some endosymbionts in invasive ranges.ConclusionsOur data support the hypothesis of strict vertical transmission of minimal core communities of bacteria in psyllids. We also found evidence for S-endosymbiont replacement across closely related psyllid species. Multiple dominant S-endosymbionts present in some host species, including at low titre, constitute potential examples of incipient endosymbiont complementation or replacement. Our multiple comparisons of deep-sequenced minimal insect bacterial communities exposed the dynamics involved in shaping insect endosymbiosis.

Unravelling mummies: cryptic diversity, host specificity, trophic and coevolutionary interactions in psyllid \u2013 parasitoid food webs

BackgroundParasitoids are hyperdiverse and can contain morphologically and functionally cryptic species, making them challenging to study. Parasitoid speciation can arise from specialisation on niches or diverging hosts. However, which process dominates is unclear because cospeciation across multiple parasitoid and host species has rarely been tested. Host specificity and trophic interactions of the parasitoids of psyllids (Hemiptera) remain mostly unknown, but these factors are fundamentally important for understanding of species diversity, and have important applied implications for biological control.ResultsWe sampled diverse parasitoid communities from eight Eucalyptus-feeding psyllid species in the genera Cardiaspina and Spondyliaspis, and characterised their phylogenetic and trophic relationships using a novel approach that forensically linked emerging parasitoids with the presence of their DNA in post-emergence insect mummies. We also tested whether parasitoids have cospeciated with their psyllid hosts. The parasitoid communities included three Psyllaephagus morphospecies (two primary and, unexpectedly, one heteronomous hyperparasitoid that uses different host species for male and female development), and the hyperparasitoid, Coccidoctonus psyllae. However, the number of genetically delimited Psyllaephagus species was three times higher than the number of recognisable morphospecies, while the hyperparasitoid formed a single generalist species. In spite of this, cophylogenetic analysis revealed unprecedented codivergence of this hyperparasitoid with its primary parasitoid host, suggesting that this single hyperparasitoid species is possibly diverging into host-specific species. Overall, parasitoid and hyperparasitoid diversification was characterised by functional conservation of morphospecies, high host specificity and some host switching between sympatric psyllid hosts.ConclusionsWe conclude that host specialisation, host codivergence and host switching are important factors driving the species diversity of endoparasitoid communities of specialist host herbivores. Specialisation in parasitoids can also result in heteronomous life histories that may be more common than appreciated. A host generalist strategy may be rare in endoparasitoids of specialist herbivores despite the high conservation of morphology and trophic roles, and endoparasitoid species richness is likely to be much higher than previously estimated. This also implies that the success of biological control requires detailed investigation to enable accurate identification of parasitoid-host interactions before candidate parasitoid species are selected as biological control agents for target pests.

Risk assessment of \u2018Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum\u2019 transmission by the psyllids Bactericera trigonica and B. tremblayi from Apiaceae crops to potato

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso) is bacterium transmitted by psyllids to Solanaceae and Apiaceae plants. So far, Lso is found in Europe affecting Apiaceae. In the Mediterranean region, Bactericera trigonica is the only known vector of Lso, but the leek-onion psyllid Bactericera tremblayi is another widespread psyllid and potential vector of Lso. Commonly, carrot, leek and potato are cultivated in the same zones and it is uncertain if these psyllid species are able to transmit Lso to potato plants. Here, we assessed the transmission of Lso by B. trigonica and B. tremblayi to potato plants. B. trigonica showed preference to ingest from the phloem, settle and oviposit on carrot and celery but not on potato. This was correlated with high Lso transmission rates to both carrot (80%) and celery (70%) but very low to potato (≤3%). B. tremblayi preferred leek over carrot and potato, the latter being the less preferred host. B. tremblayi readily ingested from the phloem of infected carrots but failed to transmit Lso from carrot to carrot. Our study shows that the risk of Lso transmission from Apiaceae to potato by B. trigonica is very low, and that B. tremblayi is not a likely vector of Lso.

The jumping plant-lice of Laos (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)

The jumping plant-lice of Laos are reviewed based on material collected during recent expeditions by the Moravian Museum (1997–2011), the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel (2003–2012) and the Seoul National University (2012–2015). To date, only three psyllid species, viz. Diaphorina citri, Heteropsylla cubana and Pseudophacopteron tuberculatum, have been recorded from Laos. In the material at hand, 49 species (of 6 families and 27 genera) are represented. This collection includes the three previously reported species and 22 species reported for the first time from Laos. Twenty-four species are identified only to genus due to insufficient material. The following nomenclatorial changes are formally proposed: Insnesia drypetisuga (Li, 2004), comb. nov. (from Auchmerina); Insnesia longitaenialis (Li, 2011), comb. nov. (from Auchmerina); Insnesia maculosa (Fang & Yang, 1986), comb. rev. (from Auchmerina); Insnesia yunnanensis (Li, 2011), comb. nov. (from Auchmerina); Trioza maculata (Yang, 1984)=Triozopsis ruiliensisLi, 2011, syn. nov.

Psyllid Species (Cacopsylla spp.) in Pear Orchards of East Sarajevo

Psyllid species (Cacopsylla spp.) are the most important pests on pear in all regions where this fruit species is grown. Cacopsylla spp. cause direct and indirect damages because they suck the sap and make large amounts of honeydew, which disturbs the normal physiological processes. Some psyllid species vectors of phytoplasma were found (Carraro i sar., 1998). The survey was done in 2011 and 2012 in orchards, in the locations of Vojkovici, Kula, Tilava, Petrovići and Kasindo. In Kula location, survey was done on the following cultivars: Wiliams, General Le Clerc, „Passa Crasana“, Abe Fetel and Poire de Curé. In pear orchards of the East Sarajevo area the following were determined: Cacopsylla pyri Linne, Cacopsylla pyrisuga Foerster and Cacopsylla pyricola Foerster. In intensive orchards of Vojkovići and Kula, C. pyri was more present compared to C. pyrisuga, while in extensive orchards in the location of Kasindo, C. pyrisuga was more present. In semi-intensive orchards, Tilava and Petrovići, the most present was C. pyrisuga, then C. pyri and the least present was C. pyricola. In the locality of Kula, the highest percentage of shoots infeted with C. pyri was the Poire de Curé, and the smallest was of cultivar Abe Fetel.

Checklist of the Psylloidea (Hemiptera) of the U. S. Pacific Northwest

Abstract. Several members of the Psylloidea vector pathogens of agricultural crops in the Pacific Northwest (“PNW”) U.S. states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. These crop-production concerns have renewed interest in the biodiversity of this superfamily in the region. We compiled a checklist of this group by examining published records and collections. This revealed 118 species of psyllids from 23 genera; 29 of these species had not been previously reported in the PNW. Our species list provides a useful starting point for entomologists investigating the ecology of emerging insect-transmitted plant pathogens in the region.