Identification
The Asian Citrus Psyllid is a small, sap-sucking insect about 3-4 mm long. It has mottled brown wings and a distinctive head-down, tail-up posture when feeding. Nymphs are yellow-orange with red eyes and produce waxy secretions. The insect has six legs and short antennae. It is found in tropical and subtropical citrus-growing regions worldwide, particularly in the southern United States, Mexico, and Asia.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
The lifecycle consists of egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay yellow-orange eggs on the new growth of citrus plants. Nymphs hatch in 2-3 days and develop through five instars over 10-15 days. Adults emerge within two weeks and live for up to 60 days. They can produce multiple generations per year, especially in warm climates.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Asian Citrus Psyllids feed on citrus plants, sucking sap from young leaves and stems. They are most active during warm months and can spread Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease), a devastating bacterial infection. They prefer to reside on the undersides of leaves, often in dense populations.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
These pests are primarily found on citrus trees, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. They infest orchards, backyard citrus trees, and ornamental citrus plants. Nymphs and adults hide on tender shoots and young leaves.
Threats & Danger
Asian Citrus Psyllids are a serious threat to citrus crops as they transmit Huanglongbing (HLB), which causes fruit deformities, bitter taste, and eventual tree death. Infested trees show yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and premature fruit drop. The disease has no cure, making early detection and control critical.
Prevention
- Inspect and remove infested plant material.
- Avoid transporting citrus plants across regions to prevent spreading the pest.
- Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
- Apply horticultural oils or insecticides to control populations.
- Maintain healthy citrus trees with proper watering and fertilization.
Signs of Infestation
- Curling and yellowing of young leaves.
- Presence of small, brown-winged insects on foliage.
- Sticky honeydew residue attracting sooty mold.
- Deformed or stunted citrus fruits.
- Waxy secretions from nymphs on new growth.
How to Get Rid of It
- Prune and dispose of affected plant parts.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soaps to kill nymphs and deter adults.
- Apply systemic insecticides for severe infestations.
- Introduce biological control agents such as Tamarixia radiata wasps.
- Monitor citrus trees regularly and report sightings to local agricultural authorities.