Brief notes on psyllids associated with Cirio, aka Boojum Tree (Fouquieria columnaris)

Background. Cirio, also known as Boojum Tree (Fouquieria columnaris) is a striking desert plant which is endemic to Baja California, related to the Ocotillo which is common in the deserts of the southwestern USA. Outside of its native range, Boojum Tree may be occasionally used in desert landscaping, botanical gardens, etc, especially in southern Arizona and California.

Calophya is a genus of psyllids primarily associated with plants in the family Anacardiaceae. In North America, most species are associated with Sumac (Rhus) whereas in South America most species are associated with Peppertree (Schinus). There are some exceptions to the rule however, such as the North American Calophya oweni which breeds on mistletoe. Another notable exception is Calophya dicksoni which breeds on the Boojum Tree. The species was first discovered in Punta Prieta, Baja California, by R.C Dickson in late May 1949, who wrote "nymphs and adults were always found together on the Cirio leaves ... the nymphs were so thick in places that the plants were covered with pellets of dried honeydew." I know of no further records of this species other than the type series.

Identification. Calophya dicksoni is similar to other species of Calophya such as the californian Lemonadeberry Psyllid Calophya californica, but is readily identifiable by the presence of 4 pale longitudinal stripes on the thorax similar to what you might find in Cacopsylla species. It can be identified as Calophya by the large cubital cell and the position of the anal break which is distant from the cubital cell.

Closing thoughts. To my knowledge Calophya dicksoni has never been seen in over 70 years. It may very well be restricted to Baja California, but it could also just as easily show up on planted Boojum Tree in California or Arizona. Either way, if you ever run into this plant I don't think it would hurt to check the leaves for the thick dried honeydew as Dickson originally described... who knows, perhaps it could lead to the rediscovery of this species.

Posted on June 19, 2022 12:39 PM by psyllidhipster psyllidhipster

Comments

Saved. I find this post - and the previous re Neotriozella on Snowbell - attractive because they're like discrete little mission briefings. I imagine I'd happily and routinely reference a long form collection of this kind of entry, especially if CA-specific.

Posted by woodillj almost 2 years ago

Happy you find them interesting, and hopefully they can lead to some cool finds! There are so many interesting insects out there that nobody is photographing, but mostly I think because nobody knows about them. Sometimes knowing where to look can make all the difference.

Some more write-ups detailing other species to come :)

Posted by psyllidhipster almost 2 years ago

So much this! --> 'There are so many interesting insects out there that nobody is photographing, but mostly I think because nobody knows about them.' Well, I'm grateful for your work and going to try to put some of the info you share to good use. Will be fun to grab one or a few of these mini-guides on the odd Saturday and go out lookin'.

Posted by woodillj almost 2 years ago

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