We examined the propensity for flight initiation and flight capability of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Hemiptera: Liviidae) with a flight mill. We measured continuous flight by D. citri for up to 3 h, which equated to a distance of ≈2.4 km. We compared the flight capability of D. citri depending on their sex and morphotype (color of abdomen). Two general morphotypes exist within this species: green-blue and gray-brown. We observed that ≈32% of psyllids from the green-blue morphotype tested exhibited long durations of flight (>60 s); whereas <5% of psyllids from the gray-brown morphotype performed such long duration flights. There was no significant difference in flight performance between the two sexes within both the gray—brown and green—blue morphotypes. Furthermore, psyllids from the gray—brown morphotype were characterized by smaller pronotums and shorter wings than psyllids from the green—blue morphotype. In addition, males, in general, were characterized by smaller pronotums and shorter wings than females. However, neither pronotum nor wing size were associated with flight capability of D. citri. Our results may help explain dispersal behavior of D. citri with respect to practical management on an area-wide scale.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 July 2014
Abdominal Color of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is Associated with Flight Capabilities
Xavier Martini,
Angelique Hoyte,
Lukasz L. Stelinski
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
color morph
flight mill
insect coloration
insect movement
Psylloidea