Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni, 2025

Martoni, Francesco, Tweed, James M. H., Blacket, Mark J. & Percy, Diana M., 2025, An annotated checklist of the psyllids (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) of Norfolk Island with keys to species, new records, and descriptions of two new endemic species, ZooKeys 1238, pp. 297-348 : 297-348

Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni sp. nov.

Figs 12 , 13 , 14

Type locality.

Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island National Park, Summit Track, on Dodonaea viscosa growing on side of the track. Collected by sweeping plant branch using a net.

Type material.

Holotype: Norfolk Island • adult ♂; Norfolk Island National Park, Summit Track ; 19 Oct. 2022; Francesco Martoni leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa ; sweeping; entire specimen mounted on card triangle, deposited at VAIC. Labels: “ Norfolk Island N. P. / Summit Track / 19 - Oct- 2022 F. Martoni / On Dodonaea viscosa ” (Printed on white card); “ HOLOTYPE ♂ / Acizzia aliceae / Percy & Martoni 2025 ” (Printed on red card) . Paratypes: Norfolk Island • 5 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; same data as the holotype; dissected specimens mounted on microscope slides deposited at VAIC • 1 adult ♂, 2 adult ♀♀; same data as the holotype; entire specimens mounted on card triangle, deposited at ANIC • 2 adult ♂♂, 3 adult ♀♀; same data as the holotype; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at NHMB • 9 adult ♂♂, 4 adult ♀♀, 1 immature; Norfolk Island, 17 Rocky Point Rd ; 19 Feb. 2023; James M. H Tweed leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa ; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at VAIC • 57 adult ♂♂, 51 adult ♀♀, 18 immatures; Norfolk Island National Park, Captain Cook Rd gate ; 06 Nov. 2023; James M. H. Tweed leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa ; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at VAIC • 6 adult ♂♂, 2 adult ♀♀, 1 immature; Selwyn Pine Road, Highlands Ecolodge ; 22 Dec. 2012; Laurence Mound leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa ; NI-2012-9 ; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at DMPC • 6 adult ♂♂, 3 adult ♀♀; Selwyn Pine Road, Highlands Ecolodge ; 8 Jul. 2013; Laurence Mound leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa ; LAM 5744 ; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at DMPC • 4 adult ♂♂, 3 adult ♀♀, Taylor’s Road, Burnt Pine Park ; 10 Jul. 2013; Alice Wells leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa subsp. viscosa ; AW- 12-83; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at DMPC • 2 adult ♂♂, 1 adult ♀; Norfolk Island Captain Cook’s Landing ; 11 Jul. 2013; Alice Wells leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa subsp. viscosa ; AW-12-90 ; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at DMPC • 13 adult ♂♂, 9 adult ♀♀; J. E. Road, Highlands Lodge ; 22 Oct. 2013; Alice Wells leg.; on Dodonaea viscosa ; AW-008 ; entire specimens preserved in ethanol, deposited at DMPC . All paratypes are labelled as “ PARATYPE ♂ - ♀ / Acizzia aliceae / Percy & Martoni 2025 ” (Printed on blue card).

Diagnosis.

Although a number of undescribed species of Acizzia associated with Dodonaea have been reported recently, and are in the process of being described ( McClelland et al. 2025), the only currently described species of Acizzia associated with Dodonaea is Acizzia dodonaeae ( Tuthill, 1952) . Geographically, distributions of A. aliceae and A. dodonaeae do not overlap, and the two species are easily distinguished morphologically due to the absence of any wing pattern in A. aliceae . Furthermore, the male parameres of A. aliceae are broader and less sinuous than those of A. dodonaeae , while the female proctiger is less arched posteriorly ( Tuthill 1952).

Description.

Colouration. Adult. Body generally pale to dark green (dried or ethanol-preserved material yellow); dorsum of thorax varying from a dark green to a dark brown (Fig. 12 A – D ), pronotum, mesopraescutum and mesoscutum all with longitudinal parallel darker bands. Abdomen lighter coloured. Antennal segments 1 and 2 lighter, segments 3–7 darkening apically, segments 8–10 uniformly dark (Fig. 12 B – D ). Wings hyaline, often yellowish, with darker veins and radular areas (Fig. 12 E, F ). Male terminalia pale, with paramere tips darker (Fig. 12 A, C ). Female terminalia pale, with tip of proctiger darker (Fig. 12 B, D ).

Immature (5 th instar): Body pale green to yellow-green (Fig. 12 G ). First four segments of antenna uniformly yellow-green, segments 5, 6, and 7 tending to a darker colour in the apical portion, last three segments of antennae uniformly dark brown-black.

Structure. Adult. Body relatively large, 2–3 mm from anterior margin of vertex to tip of folded wings (males smaller than females) (Fig. 12 A – D ).

Head (Fig. 13 C – G ) in lateral view slightly deflexed downward, wider than thorax, width <0.5 × antennal length, vertex width almost 2 × length, with well-defined cranial suture. Genal processes well developed, conical, diverging and distinctly downturned at apices, length ~ 3 / 4 vertex length, apices rounded, curiously naked patches on the dorsal surface at base lacking setae or microsculpture, similarly naked areas surround the discal foveae on vertex (Fig. 13 D ). Clypeus subglobular, terminal proboscis segment short (Fig. 13 F ). Antennae 10 - segmented, with segment 3 longest, length of segments 4–8 subequal, and the shorter terminal segments 9 and 10 subequal; a single subapical rhinarium on segments 4, 6, 8, 9, simple, circular, length of two long terminal setae subequal, with both shorter than segment 10 (Fig. 13 G ).

Thorax (Fig. 13 H, I ) moderately arched in lateral profile. Hind legs (Fig. 13 J – L ) with meracanthus well developed, thorn-like and slightly curved; metafemur shorter than metatibia and with a cluster of 4–6 stout setae subapically on outer lateral surface (Fig. 13 L ); metatibia with a single genual spine basally and 1 + 4 (typically with two close together) or occasionally 1 + 3 sclerotised apical spurs surrounded by a crown of 8–10 stout setae; length of metatarsal segments subequal; metabasitarsus with a single outer sclerotised spur.

Fore wing (Figs 12 E, F , 13 A ) length> 2.5 × width, more or less parallel sided, widest in apical half, rounded at apex; pterostigma long and slender; cells m 1 and cu 1 both elongate, but m 1 narrower and more elongate than cu 1, vein Rs long and moderately sinuous, vein M much shorter than Rs and strongly arched; membrane with spinules densely distributed in all cells and with spinule-free bands along veins, marginal radular spinule clusters positioned centrally in cells m 1 and m 2, and in posterior half of cell cu 1 (Fig. 13 B ).

Male terminalia (Fig. 14 A – D ) with subgenital plate somewhat elongate, length greater than height, dorsal margin sinuate and ventral margin not evenly rounded (Fig. 14 A, C ). Proctiger shorter than paramere, expanded basally into distinct basal posterior lobes that extend outwards from below and around a weakly sclerotised hook-like appendage, upper portion narrow, cylindrical, but tubular only in apical 1 / 3 (Fig. 14 E ). Paramere in lateral profile, sinuous, widest in middle, anterior margin medially arched forward and bearing many long setae, posterior margin moderately concave, bearing fewer long setae, apex blunt and directed rearward, moderately sclerotised and bearing two distinctly stout setae subapically on inner surface, otherwise inner surface with scattered short setae, outer surface with few short setae concentrated towards the posterior margin (Fig. 14 A, C, D ). Distal segment of aedeagus moderately long, base expanded laterally, apical portion somewhat saccate below a bluntly acute tip and deeply incised dorsum, apical portion ~ 1 / 3 as long as the distal segment length (Fig. 14 B, D ).

Female terminalia (Fig. 14 F – J ) short, with proctiger arched dorsally and steeply downturned post anus, covered in numerous long setae in the distal half and terminating in an acute, sclerotised tip (Fig. 14 F ), in dorsal view broadly rounded apically; anal ring outline in dorsal view pyriform, narrower anteriorly and broader posteriorly, length ~ 1 / 2 proctiger length, composed of a double row of regular pores (Fig. 14 G, I ); subgenital plate shorter than proctiger, length ~ 3 / 4 proctiger length, apex blunt except for a small beak and whole covered in medium to short setae (Fig. 14 F, H ); ovipositor dorsal valvulae triangular but with a long narrow extension dorsally, ventral valvulae bearing a single small tooth ventrally (Fig. 14 J ). Egg elongate with “ puzzle-piece ” striations over most of the surface, and a short, stout, lateral pedicel 1 / 4 length from base, apical filament apparently lacking (Fig. 14 N ).

Immature (5 th instar): body ~ 1.55 × as long as wide, shape ovoid, wing pads protruding (Fig. 12 G ). Setae predominantly a mix of medium to long simple and weakly capitate, with a single long capitate seta at the apex of each wing pad, a few shorter capitate setae on antennae and legs, and abdomen with 4 + 4 long capitate setae (Fig. 12 G ). Antenna length ~ 1.3 × head width, 9 - segmented with a single subapical rhinarium on segments 3, 5, 7, and 8, segment 3 longest and approx. equal to length of segments 8 and 9 combined (Fig. 12 G, I ). Fore wing pads lacking humeral lobes. Tarsal arolium longer than claws, triangular with unguitractor and long pedicel (Fig. 12 H ), claws well developed. Anus in ventral position (Fig. 12 G ), circumanal ring shallowly heart-shaped, consisting of a single row of pores (Fig. 12 J ).

Measurements (in mm). Adults (5 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀). Length of body (vertex to terminalia) ♂ 1.66–1.93, ♀ 2.07–2.32; length of body (vertex to apex of folded wings) ♂ 2.33–2.46, ♀ 2.79–2.94; width of head (HW) ♂ 0.56–0.59, ♀ 0.64–0.68; length of genal processes (GCL) ♂ 0.11–0.13, ♀ 0.14–0.17; length of vertex (VL) ♂ 0.15–0.17, ♀ 0.18–0.19; width of vertex (VW) ♂ 0.32–0.36, ♀ 0.39–0.40; length of antenna (AL) ♂ 1.34–1.38, ♀ 1.30–1.38; length of fore wing (WL) ♂ 1.54–1.81, ♀ 2.15–2.19; width of fore wing ♂ 0.59–0.71, ♀ 0.80–0.83; length of hind wing ♂ 1.43–1.66, ♀ 1.80–1.87; length of vein Rs ♂ 1.05–1.13, ♀ 1.36–1.41; length of vein M (M) ♂ 0.59–0.72, ♀ 0.78–0.86; length of vein M 1 + 2 (M 1) ♂ 0.51–0.56, ♀ 0.67–0.75; marginal width of cell m 1 ♂ 0.22–0.24, ♀ 0.26–0.30; marginal width of cell cu 1 ♂ 0.35–0.44, ♀ 0.52–0.54; length of vein Cu 1 b ♂ 0.25–0.30, ♀ 0.30–0.36; value of cell cu 1 ♂ 1.35–1.70, ♀ 1.64–1.89; value of cell m 1 ♂ 2.18–2.54, ♀ 2.40–2.67; length (height) of proctiger (PL) ♂ 0.14–0.19; I length of paramere ♂ 0.18–0.22; length of distal aedeagal segment ♂ 0.17–0.20; length of subgenital plate ♂ 0.23; height of subgenital plate ♂ 0.17–0.19; length of proctiger (PL) ♀ 0.28–0.31; length of circum-anal ring (CL) ♂ 0.13–0.15; length of subgenital plate (SL) ♀ 0.24–0.28. Ratios: GCL: VL ♂ 0.65–0.81, ♀ 0.78–0.94; VL: VW ♂ 0.42–0.53, ♀ 0.45–0.49; VL: HW ♂ 0.26–0.30, ♀ 0.27–0.29; AL: HW ♂ 2.34–2.39, ♀ 2.03; PL: HW ♂ 0.25–0.41, ♀ 0.42–0.48; PL: CL ♀ 1.93–2.23; PL: SL ♀ 1.07–1.17; WL: HW ♂ 2.65–3.12, ♀ 3.21–3.37; WL: WW ♂ 2.44–2.95, ♀ 2.63–2.74; Rs: M ♂ 1.53–1.78, ♀ 1.60–1.74; M 1: M ♂ 0.72–0.95, ♀ 0.78–0.94.

Immatures (5 th instar, 1 specimen). Length of body 1.43; width of body 0.92; length of antennae 0.76; width of head 0.57.

Etymology.

The species epithet was chosen to honour the Australian entomologist, Dr Alice Wells, for her fundamental contribution to entomology in the Austro-Pacific. Dr Wells was likely the first person to collect this species during the 2012–2014 survey ( Maynard et al. 2018).

Distribution.

This species is widely distributed on Norfolk Island and is likely present anywhere the host plant is found (Fig. 15 ).

Host plant on Norfolk Island.

Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. ( Sapindales , Sapindaceae ), confirmed by the collection of immatures (Suppl. material 1).

Conservation.

This species is considered endemic to Norfolk Island. It specialises on a native host plant, Dodonaea viscosa , which is widespread in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world. During this study, Acizzia aliceae was found to be present within all stands of Dodonaea viscosa searched on the island, including natural populations and specimens planted ornamentally. It is assumed that this species is widespread across the island and occurs, or can occur, anywhere the host plant is present. Neither species is known from nearby Phillip Island. The EOO ranges from 5.5–42.2 km 2 depending on whether this is calculated based on confirmed occurrence records, or the entire area of Norfolk Island (Fig. 15 ). The corresponding AOO calculated using a 4 km 2 grid overlay, ranges from 16–64 km 2. There are no known threats facing this species, nor is it known to be undergoing a population or range decline.

We propose that A. aliceae warrants a threat status of Least Concern (IUCN, 2012). Its widespread distribution on the island, including within both protected areas and urban and agricultural landscapes, as well as on both natural and planted populations of D. viscosa suggests it is tolerant of a range of conditions and capable of dispersing between host plant patches. The adaptability of its host plant and its widespread use in garden plantings and hedgerows, suggests its habitat is secure and has likely increased in extent since European colonisation of the island. Despite its relatively small EOO and AOO, there are no known ongoing or potential future threats and so this species does not qualify for any of the threatened categories under any of the criteria ( IUCN 2012). However, encouraging planting of D. viscosa on public and private land, as well as on nearby Phillip Island, would further secure this species.

DNA resources.

GenBank COI: MG 988625 , cytB: MG 988895 . Also represented in the mitogenome analysis of Percy et al. (2018) as: DP 2. idba. 202. The annotated mitochondrial genome was submitted to GenBank for this study (PQ 754209). Additionally, a total of four COI sequences were generated for this study (OR 558301, OR 558302; OR 558308, OR 558309).

Systematics.

Related to Acizzia dodonaeae ( Tuthill, 1952) from New Zealand, and both species are in the same subgroup of Acizzia that includes A. uncatoides and A. acaciaebaileyanae ( Percy et al. 2018) , as well as all but two of the Norfolk Island Acizzia reported here (Fig. 16 ).

Figures

Figures 12. Adults of Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. A adult lateral habitus of male B same, female C dorsal habitus of male D same, female E fore wing of male F same, female G immature habitus showing placement of long capitate setae on abdomen and wing pads H metatibiotarsus of immature I antenna of immature J circumanal ring of immature. Scale bars: 1 mm (A – D); 0.5 mm (E, F); 0.3 mm (G, I); 0.1 mm (H, J).

Figure 13. Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. A fore wing and hind wing (below) B detail of radular spinule cluster positions C head (dorsal view) D head (dorso-lateral view) indicating naked patches at base of genal cones and around discal foveae E head (ventro-lateral) showing genal cones downturned apically F clypeus and proboscis G antennae with apical detail (inset) H head and thorax (lateral view) I thorax (dorsal view) J hind leg K metafemur apex indicating cluster of stout lateral setae and genual spine on metatibia L metatarsi showing a single outer metabasitarsus spine. Scale bars as reported.

Figure 14. Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. A male terminalia with aedeagus detail (inset) B aedeagus (posterior view) C male terminalia (posterior view) with detail of paramere apex (inset) D paramere outer surface (above) and inner surface (below) E male proctiger (lateral view) with detail of basal portion (illustrated) F female terminalia (lateral view) G female proctiger (dorsal view) with detail of anal ring pores H female subgenital plate (ventral view) I anal ring (dorsal view) J ovipositor (lateral view) with detail of single subapical tooth on valvulae ventralis (inset). Scale bars as reported.

Figure 15. Confirmed occurrence records for Pseudophacopteron aewagriini Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. (triangles) and Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. (circles). The dotted line indicates the boundaries of Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Gardens. Records shown are derived from both collected material and confirmed records from iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/) and personal communications. Map constructed in QGIS with satellite imagery sourced from ESRI World Imagery.

Figure 16. Systematic placement of the Norfolk Island psyllid fauna (native taxa in black bold, adventive taxa in red) determined using a maximum likelihood backbone constraint analysis with the mitogenome data from Percy et al. (2018). The two annotated genomes for the endemic species, Acizzia aliceae Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. and Pseudophacopteron aewagriini Percy & Martoni, sp. nov. are illustrated as well as more detailed clade placement for Acizzia spp. (A – Australia, P – Pacific, A-P – Austro-Pacific). Two taxa indicated by [? in grey] are referred to as Glycaspis sp. and Trioza sp. in Maynard et al. (2018) and are considered here to refer to Glycaspis granulata and Powellia vitreoradiata, respectively (see Discussion).