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Schinus terebinthifoliaRaddi (Anacardiaceae) (Brazilian peppertree) is one of the most serious terrestrial invasive plants in Florida. The leaf galling psyllid,Calophya latiforcepsBurckhardt (Hemiptera: Calophyidae), was discovered feeding on the Brazilian peppertree in Bahia, Brazil, in 2010, and is being evaluated for release as a biological control agent. In order to understand how this candidate biological control agent affects the growth ofS. terebinthifolia, we measured the effect of the psyllid on photosynthesis, leaf chlorophyll content and plant growth. Infested plants had lower photosynthesis compared to uninfested plants 30 and 45 days after gall initiation, and chlorophyll content was lower over a 70-d period. Plant height was reduced 31% and biomass 11% after three months of infestation. Results of these studies suggest thatC. latiforcepswill negatively affect the growth of the Brazilian peppertree if released in Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardaceae), native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. In its native range, at least 4 psyllid species of the genus Calophya (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) are associated with it. All 4 species are monophagous and constitute a likely monophyletic group that induce pit galls, usually on the upper leaf surface. Here we revise the taxonomy of these species, 2 of which are described as new, viz. C. lutea sp. nov. and C. praestigiator sp. nov. Morphological differences between the 4 species are detailed and relevant structures are figured. Keys for adults and the fifth instars are provided for the identification of the 8 species known to induce pit galls on Schinus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]