Asian citrus psyllid

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

(Insecta: Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Adult Asian citrus psyllids are 3 to 4 mm long and mottled brown. The forewing tips are broad with a brown band around the margin. Nymphs are yellowish-orange and range in length from 0.25 mm (first instar) to 1.7 mm (fifth instar).

Females lay eggs on growing citrus shoots. The nymphs undergo five instars. Like the adults, they feed on phloem sap and excrete wax that is visible on shoots, leaves and stems. The life cycle of Diaphorina citri requires 15 to 47 days to be completed.

Originally from Asia, Diaphorina citri initially was detected in Florida in 1998 and is now a well-established citrus pest throughout the state of Florida.

Asian citrus psyllids commonly infest at least three genera (Citrus, Murraya and Citropsis) in the citrus family Rutaceae.

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Eggs and nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)

Eggs and nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)

Nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Photographer: Jason Meyer, University of Florida)

Adult Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

(Photographer: Jason Meyer, University of Florida)