Invasive Species/Invasive Species List

This is the National Invasive Species Official List with information on each taxon. As indicated here, one should study the following:


 * Common name and Scientific Name
 * Pictures of the species with unique identification tips, damage it causes and life cycle
 * Region or Origin and Year of introduction
 * State or Body of Water where first discovered
 * How was it introduced
 * Transport – How is it spread and history of its spread throughout the country
 * Distribution Map
 * Mode of Reproduction
 * Adaptive Anatomy and special adaptions to the environment
 * Habitat Characteristics as diet, behavior, niche, species displacement, trophic level
 * Damage it does and how it effects the environment and natural food web of the environment-ecological, biological, human health and economic damage
 * Preventive Measures
 * Control Methods and Effectiveness of each methods
 * Laws or Regulations about collecting or distributing this species.

Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri)



 * Identification: The asian citrus psyllid can be identified by its mottled brown wings around the outer edge, which are broken by a clear stripe. It also has red eyes and short antennae.
 * Damage: Nymphs feed on new leaves and shoots, and can also infect the citrus tree with Huanglongbing, or HLB. The tree affected produces fruit low in solubles, high in acids, and bitter. When the fruit matures, the fruit has a green color on the navel end, which was the origin of the alternative name for HLB: citrus greening disease.
 * Life Cycle: Eggs are laid on tips of growing shoots on and between unfurling leaves. Females may lay more than 800 eggs during their lives. Nymphs pass through five instars. The total life cycle is about 15 to 47 days, depending upon the season. Adults may live for several months. There is no diapause, but populations are low in winter (the dry season). There are nine to 10 generations a year.
 * Region/Origin and Year of Introduction: The asian citrus psyllid is widely found in southern Asia. It was first detected in June, 1998 on the east coast of Florida.
 * State or body of water first detected: As stated above, the east coast of Florida.
 * How it was introduced: The asian citrus psyllid is theorized to have arrived on imported plants.
 * Transport: The asian citrus psyllid was transported around the country on nursery stock trees. It could also spread through backyard citrus trees.
 * Distribution map:

The orange areas are where only the psyllid has been detected. The green areas are where HLB has also been found.
 * Mode of Reproduction: Asian citrus psyllids are asexual, meaning that they don't need to find a mate to reproduce.
 * Diet, behavior, niche, species displacement, trophic level: Nymphs feed only on the new growths of the citrus tree. The adults feed on the leaves and stems.