Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Family CARSIDARIDAE
DAMAGE
Nymphal feeding causes a superficial pitting of the
leaves and a noticeable pimpling on the upper surface;
however, such damage is not important and does not
result in distortion of the leaf blade.
Psyllids with characteristically flattened, noticeably
hairy antennae; mostly of tropical distribution.
Homotoma ficus (Linnaeus) ( 52-53 )
Fig sucker
This tropical, non-indigenous psyllid occurs on
common fig ( Ficus carica ) in various parts of Europe,
including Austria, England, France, Jersey and
Switzerland, but is local and uncommon. The winter is
passed in the egg stage, with a single generation
annually. Adults (fore wings 3.4-4.3 mm long) occur
during the summer and the mainly green, sedentary
nymphs develop from early spring to about June.
Infestations are not of major importance.
Trioza vitreoradiata Maskell ( 51 )
Pittosporum sucker
A New Zealand pest of Pittosporum . Now well
established on such plants in the Channel Islands,
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where it was first
discovered in 1993. The pest has also been found in
Ireland.
DESCRIPTION
Adult: 3-4 mm long; body varying from black to
yellowish green. Nymph: green, flat and scale-like,
with a distinct marginal fringe of short waxen filaments.
LIFE HISTORY
The pest overwinters in the adult stage. In spring, eggs
are laid on the leaves and hatch in about two weeks.
Nymphs then feed for a few weeks, passing through five
instars before eventually becoming adults. Up to five
generations are completed annually.
52
DAMAGE
The pest forms blister-like or pit-like galls on the leaves,
and young growth is distorted and discoloured. Infested
plants are also contaminated by honeydew and sooty
moulds.
52 Fig sucker ( Homotoma ficus ).
53
53 Nymphs of fig sucker ( Homotoma ficus ).
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