First Record of Acizzia jamatonica (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in North America: Friend or Foe?

Authors

Michael D. Ulyshen, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Athens, GA
Douglass R. Miller, USDA-ARS, Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD

Date of this Version

9-2007

Comments

Published in Florida Entomologist September 2007 : Vol. 90, Issue 3, p. 573

Abstract

Acizzia jamatonica (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae) is reported for the first time in North America. Because the species is thought to feed exclusively on Albizia, it may prove to be an effective biocontrol agent against the invasive Albizia julibrissin Durazzini in the southeastern United States. Because A. julibrissin is also an ornamental plant of some importance, the arrival of A. jamatonica may not be welcomed by many. This is the fourth invasive species of Acizzia to be found in the United States.