Publication details
Unusual feeding behaviour and association with ants in Lilaoshia psorospermi sp. n. (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Liviidae) developing on Psorospermum glaberrimum (Hypericaceae)
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Natural History |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2452396 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2452396 |
| Keywords | Cameroon; Formicidae; Paurocephalini; Sternorrhyncha; taxonomy; trophobiosis |
| Description | Lilaoshia psorospermi Burckhardt, Al & eacute;n & eacute; and Serbina, sp. n. (Psylloidea: Liviidae: Liviinae: Paurocephalini), developing on Psorospermum glaberrimum (Hypericaceae), is described from the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Adults, fifth-instar immatures and eggs are diagnosed and illustrated, and relationships to other Lilaoshia species are discussed. Information is provided on the biology and ecology. In contrast to most psyllids, which feed on young plant parts, immatures and adults of L. psorospermi were observed feeding on old leaves, where they were always tended by the following ant species: Camponotus congolensis, C. flavomarginatus, Crematogaster striatulus and Tapinoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The workers of these ants, especially C. congolensis and C. striatulus, usually build shelters of soil, sand and plant debris around and above the psyllid colonies. |