First record of Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore 1964, (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in eucalyptus in Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract

Known as Red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei is a sucker insect of Australian origin whose attacks several eucalyptus species. Its presence in Brazil was reported for the first time in the São Paulo State in June, 2003. Later, its occurrence was also registered in Minas Gerais, Goiás, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul States. The nymphs possess yellowish color and they are protected under small shells while the adults have brown-orange to yellow-greenish color, and about three milimeters. Among the main damages that causes to the plants are the premature leaves fall and reduction of the photosynthetic area. In some cases it can occurs plant death. In Santa Catarina State it was found attacking some trees of Eucalyptus tereticornis in the courtyard of a company in the urban perimeter of the Chapecó town.