Diaphorina maytenusis sp. nov., a New Species of Psyllids in the Diaphorina Genus (Hemiptera, Psyllidae), Associated with Maytenus senegalensis (Celastraceae) from Cameroon

Background and Objective: Diaphorina citri is known to be the most serious pest of citrus, transmitting the greening disease of citrus; Diaphorina is a species-rich genus, native to the tropics and subtropics of the Old World. The aim of this study was to describe a new species of the Diaphorina genus associated with a traditional medicinal plant in Africa, Maytenus senegalensis (Celastraceae). Materials and Methods: Adult psyllids were captured with a sweep net of 0.5 mm mesh size and a mouth aspirator, then preserved dry and slide-mounted or in 70% ethanol. The species was identified under a stereomicroscope, and drawings and measurements were made from slide-mounted material. Results: Adults of Diaphorina maytenusis sp. nov. have forewings sub-hyaline, with a distinct dark brown longitudinal stripe extending from the base to the apical margin of R + M + Cu₁, M + Cu₁, R and R_S veins, and a marginal stripe from the apex of the Cu₁ vein to the apex of the Cu_1a vein, beyond the apex of the anal vein; the vertex is sub-rectangular without foveae; the male proctiger is invaginated basally and apically, with large lateral lobes; the paramere is slightly broad apically, with the inner surface having an apical hook directed forward and thick setae directed downwards; the female subgenital plate is conical, with the anterior margin incurved at the base and bulging at the base; the margin of the caudal plate of the last instar larvae is beset with a row of more than forty-five pointed lanceolate setae on each side (a group of more than 90); the circumanal pore ring is V reversed-shaped, consisting of two rows of pores, the outer with oblongate pores and the inner with rounded pores. Conclusion: Taxonomic studies indicated that the psyllid species described is a new species of the Diaphorina genus from Cameroon.