Arytinnis equitans (Loginova) Percy Csiro, 2003

Percy Csiro, Diana M., 2003, Legume-feeding psyllids (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) of the Canary Islands and Madeira, Journal of Natural History 37, pp. 397-461 : 416-417

Arytinnis equitans (Loginova) comb. n.

(figures 10B, 19D)

Arytainilla equitans Loginova, 1976: 25 ; Hodkinson and Hollis, 1987: 42.

Adult

Colour. Pale grey-green, mature specimens becoming darker; forewing cells with faint brown patches apically, veins uniform mid-brown.

Description. Loginova (1976).

Nymph

Colour. First to second instars orange-red with black tergites, 3rd–5th instars cream or green with black tergites.

Fifth instar structure. Antennal segments seven.

Fifth instar measurements. (Specimens 5) BL: 1.45–1.83; BW: 0.93–1.05; WL: 0.49–0.54; CPL: 0.42–0.47; CPW: 0.61–0.68; RW: 0.18–0.2; HW: 0.66–0.72; AL: 0.97–1.05.

Fifth instar chaetotaxy. Head setae simple; ocular seta simple, dark, conspicuous; primary and secondary post-ocular setae simple or narrowly to distinctly capitate. Dorsal thoracic setae long, simple only or with capitate. Forewing and hindwing pads each with two macrosetae, marginal (one apical distinctly capitate, one proximal capitate or simple); forewing pad with up to five smaller marginal simple or rod setae; hindwing pad apical seta paired with small simple seta; simple or rod microsetae scattered on the wing pad surfaces. Dorsal abdominal pre-caudal macrosetae present on anterior tergites, long capitate, caudal plate macrosetae absent or if present, typically two distinctly capitate; sectasetae three pairs (small simple seta in first position); marginal abdominal setae (other than sectasetae) three pairs, distinctly capitate; pleurite setae paired capitate and simple. Legs with simple setae only or with capitate setae present on hind leg tibia, one (proximal) capitate or small rod (occasionally small rod setae proximally on fore and middle leg tibiae).

Host plant. Teline microphylla , T. canariensis .

Distribution. Canary Islands: Gran Canaria.

Notes. Widespread throughout the distribution of the host plant, Teline microphylla . Two sympatric species, A. diluta and A. prognata , appear to be restricted to humid or more drier habitats, respectively. During this study these two species were never found on the same host populations, however, Loginova (1975) records two locations (though no host details are given) where A. diluta , A. prognata and A. equitans were collected. A few adults and nymphs of A. equitans were also collected from relict individuals of the host plant, Teline canariensis , in the reduced laurisilva habitat on Gran Canaria. Host acquisition, in this instance, may have been facilitated by hybridization which has been recorded between Teline microphylla and Teline canariensis on Gran Canaria (M. del Arco Aguilar, personal communication).

Biology. Eggs were found on the outer surface of corolla segments. Small nymphs (1st–2nd instars) were observed on corollas, new leaves and developing fruit, usually under the persistent calyx and anther tube.

Material examined. (Ex Teline microphylla unless otherwise stated) Canary Islands, Gran Canaria : 45 W, 39 X, 18 nymphs, 1–2 km S of Cruz de Tejeda, 27°59∞30◊N, 15°36∞W, 1480 m, 5 July 1997 ( DP 35 ) . 3 W, 4 X, 2 nymphs, rd Moya to Fontanales , 28°5∞30◊N, 15°35∞W, ca 600 m, ex Teline canariensis , 6 July 1997 ( DP 41 ) . 6 W, 12 X, ca 5 km S of Moya , 28°5∞N, 15°35∞30◊W, ca 800 m, ex Teline stenopetala , 15 April 1998 ( DP 158 ) . 39 X, 55 X, 16 nymphs, between Agualatente and La Culata , 27°56∞N, 15°34∞W, 1100 m, 16 April 1998 ( DP 163 ) . 47 W, 32 X, 2 nymphs, 1–2 km S of Cruz de Tejeda , 28°00∞N, 15°36∞W, 1420 m, 20 April 1998 ( DP 175 ) .