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Two new and rare psyllids (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) from French Polynesia
1Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; Canada. diana.percy@ubc.ca.
Zootaxa
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Two new psyllid species, Ctenarytaina elinae and Anomocephala rosiegeorgeorum, were discovered in French Polynesia. These single-island endemics highlight the region's unique insect biodiversity.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Biodiversity
- Taxonomy
Background:
- French Polynesia harbors unique insect fauna, with psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) being key components.
- Previous taxonomic studies have identified several psyllid species in the region, but gaps remain in understanding their diversity and distribution.
- Psyllids play significant roles in ecosystems as herbivores and can impact host plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe two new species of psyllids discovered in French Polynesia.
- To provide taxonomic descriptions and diagnostic information for the new species.
- To contribute to the knowledge of psyllid diversity in the Austro-Pacific region.
Main Methods:
- Morphological examination of collected specimens.
- Comparative analysis with existing psyllid species descriptions and type materials.
- Literature review for taxonomic classification and host plant associations.
Main Results:
- Description of Ctenarytaina elinae sp. nov. from Tahiti, potentially associated with Metrosideros (Myrtaceae).
- Description of Anomocephala rosiegeorgeorum sp. nov. from Rapa, likely associated with Metrosideros collina.
- Redescription of the genus Anomocephala and its type species Anomocephala unica.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of these new species underscores the rich and endemic psyllid fauna of French Polynesia.
- The findings expand the known diversity of the genera Ctenarytaina and Anomocephala.
- Further research on psyllid-host plant interactions in the region is warranted.
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