Legume-feeding psyllids of the genus Heteropsylla (Homoptera: Psylloidea).

Abstract

The biology and biogeography of the economically important species of Heteropsylla, including H. cubana, are discussed. Heteropsylla comprises a group of legume-feeding neotropical psyllids within the subfamily Ciriacreminae. Taxonomic characteristics previously used to diagnose Heteropsylla and related genera are discussed and a new generic diagnosis is made using both adult and larval characters. Thirty-nine species of Heteropsylla are now recognized and each is described and illustrated. Of these, 21 are new to science. One species, H. boquetensis, is transferred from Limbopsylla. Final-instar larvae of 22 species are described and illustrated. Host plants are recorded for 35 species, showing that Heteropsylla species are generally found on the legumes belonging to the Mimosoideae. Three exceptions occur in the Caesalpinioideae. A checklist of species and keys to the identification of adult males, adult females and final-instar larvae are provided.