Asian Citrus Psyllid
Diaphorina citri
This record describes Diaphorina citri (species). Recorded family: Psyllidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Nymphs ; wingpads massive; white waxy excretions of the nymphs on new leaves are indicative Earliest record in our area: FL 1998. Damages citrus plants by feeding on sap; a vector of citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). The Eulophid parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata , has been introduced from Korea to combat this pest.
Wikipedia reference for Diaphorina citri: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphorina_citri.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Psyllidae
- Subfamily
- Diaphorininae
- Genus
- Diaphorina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to so.CA-AZ, TX-FL-SC - Map , native to s. Asia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: mainly Citrus , but also other Rutaceae
Life History
Total life cycle: 15-47 days, depending upon season; 9-10 (maybe more) generations a year. No diapause; in winter (the dry season) populations are low.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diaphorina citri Kuwayama 1908
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Diaphorina citri. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Asian Citrus Psyllid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov , Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Citrus Psyllid
What is Asian Citrus Psyllid?
Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is a species in the family Psyllidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Asian Citrus Psyllid?
adults 3-4 mm, nymphs: 1st instar 0.25 mm, last (5th) instar 1.5-1.7 mm
How do you identify Asian Citrus Psyllid?
Nymphs ; wingpads massive; white waxy excretions of the nymphs on new leaves are indicative
Where is Asian Citrus Psyllid found?
Range: adventive to so.CA-AZ, TX-FL-SC - Map , native to s. Asia
What does Asian Citrus Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Asian Citrus Psyllid includes Hosts: mainly Citrus , but also other Rutaceae.
What is the life cycle of a Asian Citrus Psyllid?
Total life cycle: 15-47 days, depending upon season; 9-10 (maybe more) generations a year. No diapause; in winter (the dry season) populations are low.
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