Abstract: The psyllids of Psyllidae family are knew from the West and the Center regions of Cameroon. None is published in the South region of this country. From January 2006 to December 2007, the prospections undertaken in the south region of Cameroon permitted to investigate the biodiversity of psyllids of the Psyllidae family. Psyllids were collected in different localities in south region on various host plants. Adult psyllids were captured with a sweep net of 0.5 mm mesh size and an aspirator. Larvae were sampled directly from buds and leaves of the host plant. All specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol. This study documented 35 species belonging to 16 genera and 6 subfamilies: Aphalaroidinae with Yangus genus (5 species); Ciriacreminae with 3 genera, Heteropsylla (1 specie), Ciriacremum (4 species) and Kleiniella (4 species); Diaphorininae with 2 genera, Diaphorina (1 specie) and Epipsylla (2 species); Euphalerinae with 5 genera, Colophorina (1 specie), Euryconus (1 specie) and 3 new genera with have respectively 1 specie; Paurocephalinae with 3 genera, Paurocephala (3 species), Diclidophlebia (6 species) and Syntomoza (1 specie); Psyllinae/Arytaininae with 2 genera, Palaeolindbergiella (2 species) and a new genus with 1 specie. Four genera remain undescribed. All those psyllids were collected in 15 different localities of the South Region of Cameroon. Three species (Ciriacremum sp.2, Kleiniella sp. 4 and Paurocephala sp. 3) were collected in the South region of Cameroon. Any of these species weren’t recorded in the Center and west region of Cameroon. The phenology of the host plants permit us to justify the proliferation period of each species. Host plants belong to 7 families; the Fabaceae constitutes the family with the largest number of associated psyllid species. The damage caused by the psyllids on their host plants were recorded and photographed. The present survey permitted to enrich the biodiversity of the psyllids of the Psyllidae family of Cameroon.
INTRODUCTION
Cameroon is situated in central Africa between latitudes 2° and 13° North and longitudes 9° and 16° East with a surface area of 475,000 km2. The South region is one of the ten administrative regions of Cameroon; this region is situated between latitudes 2°12’ (Olamze) and 3°26’ (Bengbis) North and longitudes 9°50’ (Campo) and 13°18’ (Mintom II) East with a surface area of 47,191 km2; its has 4 divisions: Dja and Lobo, Mvilla, Ocean, Valley of Ntem. The South Cameroonian plateau cross this region. The climate is equatorial of Guinean type with four seasons: two rainy seasons (August-November; March-July) and two dry seasons (November-March; July-August); the precipitations are abundant, between 1500-2000 mm water year-1; the temperature is high but be constant at the average of 25°C. This particular climate influences the vegetation of this region, mainly characterise by a tropical humid thick forest (Suchel, 1988).
Jumping plant-lice or psyllids (Hemiptera, Psylloidea), are plant sap-sucking insects which are predominantly associated with dicotyledons (Hodkinson, 1974; Burckhardt, 1987; Brown and Hodkinson, 1988). Some psyllids are narrowly associated to specific host plants family (Burckhardt et al., 2004). When psyllid population is high, serious damage caused by larvae or adults psyllids can transmit plant diseases (Burckhardt, 2005; Tamesse, 2005). Damage caused by psyllids are enumerous: deformations of leaves, buds or flowers including formation of galls, discolouration and necrosis of leaves, flowers or fruits; larvae secreted honeydew which stimulates fungal growth on plant organs.
The inventory of local fauna, particular in Afrotropical region, constituted an important data in conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity. In various groups, particular those rich in number of species like insects, only a little proportion of species is described; currently 3000-3500 psylloid species are described, this may represent less than half the number of existing species. More taxonomic literature was done, but these studies are important in temperate and subtropical regions. For Afrotropical region, they are few important biodiversity and taxonomic studies: Vondracek (1963) on jumping plant-lice from Central Africa (Congo); Capener (1968, 1970, 1973) on the Psyllidae from South Africa; Hollis (1976, 1984) on Jumping plant-lice of Ethiopia region and Afrotropical region; Burckhardt and Misfud (2003), Burckhardt et al. (2006) on the Diclidophlebia genus from Afrotropical region; Alene et al. (2007) on Ciriacreminae from Gabon and Malenovsky and Burckhardt (2009) on Afrotropical Jumping plant-lice of Phacopteronidae. In Cameroon particularly, few studies are done: Messi and Nguefang (1993) on a new specie, Mesohomotoma hollisi, recorded on Scaphopetalum Blackii, Messi et al. (1998a, 1998b) on a new specie, Diclidophlebia xuani, recorded on Ricinodendron heudolotii, Tamesse (2005) on the biodiversity, taxonomy and biology of psyllids of Cameroon, Tamesse et al. (2007) on Jumping plant-lice of Triozidae family, Malenovsky et al. (2007) on Jumping plant-lice of Phacopteronidae family, Dzokou et al. (2009) recognised 37 species, 22 genera and 7 subfamilies of psyllidae in West region of Cameroon, Yana et al. (2009, 2010) recognised 45 species, 24 genera and 7 subfamilies of psyllidae in Center region of Cameroon. Within the Psyllidae family, any study have been recorded in South region of Cameroun, which have characteristic flora different for the others regions.
In this study, we report the results from the survey from the South region of Cameroon with respect to the Psyllidae family as defined by Burckhardt (1987, 2005).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 2006 to December 2007, psyllids were collected in 15 different localities of the South Region of Cameroon. This region comprised four divisions; altitudes and geographical coordinates of all localities where psyllids were collected are included in Table 1. Two localities were chosen for regular monthly prospections: Nkoemvone and Nkolandom. Additional localities were visited occasionally.
| Table 1: | List of localities in South region of Cameroon, where psyllids were collected with altitudes and geographical coordinates |
The method used in this study is the same method used by Dzokou et al. (2009) and Yana et al. (2010).
Adult psyllids were captured with a sweep net of 0.5 mm mesh size and an aspirator. Larvae were sampled directly from buds and leaves of the host plant. All specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol. The damage caused by the psyllids on the host plants was recorded and photographed. Specimens of the host plant were taken for identification by botanists of the University of Yaounde I and the National Herbarium in Yaounde.
At the Laboratory of Zoology of the Higher Teacher’s Training College of the University of Yaounde I, were parts of the material is preserved, the insects were examined under a stereomicroscope, sorted to species and provisionally identified using psyllid identification keys. Representatives of most species were examined at the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Switzerland, were detailed taxonomic studies were done. A collection of dry and slide mounted specimens as well as material preserved in 70% ethanol is preserved in this institution.
RESULTS
During the survey 4813 specimens (1306 males, 2146, females and 1361 larvae) of Psyllidae were captured representing 6 subfamilies, 16 genera and 35 species. Host plants of 34 psyllid species could be recorded; only one plant specie remains unknown.
Subfamily aphalaroidinae loginova 1964
Genus Yangus fang 1990: Yangus sp.1 (host plant: Albizia
adiantifolia, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 27 i 2006, 3 males, 4 females, 3 larvae;
28 i 2006, 2 males, 1 female, 4 larvae; 18 ii 2006, 1 male, 4 females, 1 larva;
23 iii 2006, 2 males, 6 females, 12 larvae; 26 v 2006, 7 males, 10 females,
11 larvae; 23 vi 2006, 8males, 16 females, 22 larvae; 21 ix 2006, 1 male, 3
females; 14 xii 2006, 1 male, 2 females; 24 iii 2007, 2 males, 8 females, 10
larvae; 24 iv 2007, 6 males, 9 females, 5 larvae; 29 vi 2007, 1 male, 1 female;
25 vii 2007, 3 males, 5 females, 4 larvae; 17 viii 2007, 1 male, 8 females,
2 larvae; 25 x 2007, 3 males, 12 females, 14 larvae. Ngoulemakong: 2 vi 2006,
2 males, 1 larva; 15 viii 2006, 7 males, 15 females, 20 larvae; 30 iii 2007,
3 males, 6 females, 1 larva. Ngallan: 23 xii 2006, 3 males, 4 females, 4 larvae;
27 i 2007, 1 male, 4 females. Nkolandom: 23 vi 2006, 4 males, 6 females; 21
x 2006, 3 males, 6 females 3 larvae; 30 viii 2007, 4 males, 8 females. Madong:
08 ix 2007, 2 males, 5 females, 4 larvae.
Yangus sp. 2 (host plant: Albizia attissima, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone : 29 I 2006, 3 males, 5 females; 23 ii 2006, 1 male, 2 female; 25 v 2006, 4 males, 10 females, 7 larvae. Nvo’meka: 26 x 2006, 2 males, 5 females, 5 larvae; 14 xii 2006, 1 male, 2 females; 27 vii 2007, 2 females. Nkolandom: 28 i 2006,1 female; 24 v 2006, 1 male, 2 females; 25 x 2006, 1 male, 1 female; 13 xii 2006, 1 female; 21 v 2007, 5 females, 3 larvae; 22 ix 2007, 3 males, 7 females, 2 larvae.
Yangus sp. 3 (host plant: Albizia glaberrima, Fabaceae): Zoetele: 29 iii 2007, 3 males, 12 females; 22 v 2007, 7 males, 8 females, 3 larvae. Bikoka: 08 ix 2007, 10 males, 17 females, 7 larvae. Nkoemvone: 16 iii 2006, 2 males, 4 females, 6 larvae; 20 iv 2006, 1 male, 3 females, 1 larva; 25 v 2006, 2 females; 21 vi 2006, 4 females, 1 larva; 20 vii 2006, 2 males, 3 females; 28 ix 2006, 3 males, 8 females, 14 larvae; 26 x 2006, 1 male, 4 females; 16 xi 2006, 3 males, 5 females; 27 I 2007, 1 male, 3 females; 29 iii 2007, 2 males, 3 females.
Yangus sp. 4 (host plant: Albizia zygia, Fabaceae): Nkolandom: 23 vi 2006, 2 males, 10 females, 5 larvae; 20 vii 2006, 2 males, 4 female, 29 ix 2006, 5 males, 7 females, 4 larvae.
Yangus sp. 5 (host plant: Albizia ferruginea, Fabaceae): Lolodorf: 08 ix 2007, 9 males, 14 females, 7 larvae; Nkoemvone : 28 i 2006, 1 male, 3 female; 28 iii 2006, 2 females; 21 iv 2006, 2 males, 5 females, 10 larvae; 22 vi 2006, 3 males, 4 females; 25 ix 2006, 8 male,14 females, 21 larvae; 15 xi 2006, 5 males, 11 females, 6 larvae; 28 i 2007, 2 females; 22 v 2007, 4 males, 6 females, 3 larvae; 29 vi 2007, 1 male, 3 females.
Subfamily ciriacreminae enderlein 1960
Genus Heteropsylla crawford 1914: Heteropsylla cubana Crawford
(host plant: Leucaena sp., July 8, 2010Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 22 iv 2006,
9 males, 13 females, 16 larvae; 24 v 2006, 8 males, 10 females, 12 larvae; 25
v 2006, 6 males; 26 vi 2006, 4 males, 8 females, 6 larvae; 27 vii 2006, 5 males,
7 females, 9 larvae; 28 ix 2006, 14 males, 20 females, 14 larvae; 24 x 2006,
1 male, 3 females, 2 larvae; 15 xii 2006, 7 males, 9 females, 4 larvae; 28 I
2007, 11 males, 15 females, 9 larvae; 25 iii 2007, 16 males, 18 females, 7 larvae;
23 iv 2007, 7 males, 10 females, 7 larvae; 27 v 2007, 11 males, 13 females,
4 larvae; 26 vi 2007, 2 males, 10 females, 12 larvae; 25 viii 2007, 10 males,
14 females, 11 larvae; 25 xi 2007, 2 females, 2 larvae; 12 xii 2007, 2 males,
6 females. Ambam: 27 vi 2006, 10 males, 13 females, 7 larvae; 25 x 2006, 5 males,
8 females, 4 larvae; 14 xii 2006, 12 males, 17 females, 12 larvae. Bikoka: 08
ix 2007, 22 males, 31 females, 18 larvae; Bijouka: 09 ix 2007, 18 males, 24
females, 21 larvae; Zoetele: 29 iii 2007, 14 males, 21 females, 10 larvae.
Genus Ciriacremum enderlein 1960: Ciriacremum nigeriense Hollis (host plant: Hylodendron gabunense, Fabaceae): Nkolandom: 28 i 2006, 3 males, 7 females, 6 larvae; 30 iii 2006, 7 males, 14 females, 6 larvae; 21 iv 2006, 2 males, 5 females, 1 larva; 24 v 2006, 3 males, 8 females, 4 larvae; 23 vi 2006, 7 males, 10 females, 7 larvae; 27 vii 2006, 5 males, 9 females, 6 larvae; 26 ix 2006, 4 males, 10 females, 9 larvae; 24 x 2006, 4 male, 7 females, 6 larvae; 23 xi 2006, 2 males, 4 females, 4 larvae; 15 xii 2006, 5 female, 2 larvae; 27 i 2007, 3 females, 1 larva; 27 ii 2007, 3 males, 4 females, 3 larvae; 28 iii 2007, 5 males, 12 females; 23 iv 2007, 9 males, 12 females, 6 larvae; 21 vii 2007, 7 males, 10 females, 6 larvae; 23 ix 2007, 3 males, 3 females, 2 larvae; 26 x 2007, 1 male, 4 females, 1 larva; 16 xii 2007, 2 males. Nkoemvone: 27 vii 2006, 2 males, 3 females, 1 larva; 26 ix 2006, 7 females, 2 larvae; 23 xi 2006, 2 males, 3 females; 27 i 2007, 1 male, 2 females; 28 iii 2007, 2 males, 4 females, 2 larvae; 21 vii 2007, 6 males, 12 females, 3 larvae. Sangmelima: 28 iii 2007, 3 males, 3 females, 2 larvae. Ambam: 27 vi 2006, 6 males, 4 females, 4 larvae.
Ciriacremum sp. 1 (host plant: Plagiosiphon longitubus, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 28 i 2006, 2 males, 4 females; 30 iii 2006, 5 males, 3 females, 2 larvae; 22 iv 2006, 10 males, 17 females, 8 larvae; 24 v 2006, 15 males, 27 females, 20 larvae; 27 vii 2006, 11 males, 19 females, 34 larvae; 28 ix 2006, 12 males, 17 females, 10 larvae; 24 x 2006, 5 male, 6 females, 2 larvae; 15 xii 2006, 2 males, 3 females, 2 larvae; 26 i 2007, 6 males, 5 females, 3 larvae; 25 iii 2007, 4 males, 7 females, 1 larva; 23 iv 2007, 7 males, 11 females, 5 larvae; 26 v 2007, 22 males, 34 females, 16 larvae; 26 vi 2007, 12 males, 14 females, 9 larvae; 24 viii 2007, 9 males, 14 females, 6 larvae; 25 xi 2007, 6 males, 11 females, 12 larvae; 12 xii 2007, 4 males, 6 females, 2 larvae. Nkolandom: 23 ii 2006, 3 males, 7 females, 2 larvae; 25 v 2006, 12 males, 15 females, 7 larvae; 27 vii 2006, 7 males, 9 females, 10 larvae; 26 i 2007, 1 male, 13 females, 1 larvae; 23 iv 2007, 6 males, 17 females, 20 larvae; 25 viii 2007, 8 males, 11 females, 8 larvae. Lolodorf: 08 ix 2007, 12 males, 21 females; 09 ix 2007, 8 males, 12females, 2 larvae; Nvo’meka: 26 x 2006, 7 males, 12 females, 4 larvae; 14 xii 2006, 4 females; 27 vii 2007, 3 males, 7 females. Zoetele: 26 vii 2007, 1 male, 2 females.
Ciriacremum sp. 2 (host plant: Hymenostegia felicis, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 30 iii 2007, 2 males, 3 females, 2 larvae; 22 iv 2007, 7 males, 10 females, 5 larvae; 05 v 2007, 12 males, 15 females;10 larvae; 27 vi 2007, 2 males, 4 females, 4 larvae; 26 vi 2007, 4 males, 3 females, 3 larvae; 24 viii 2007, 3 males, 4 females, 3 larvae; 22 ix 2007, 1 male, 2 females, 1 larva;26 x 2007, 6 males, 9 females, 4 larvae; 12 xii 2007, 3 males, 5 females, 2 larvae; Nkolandom: 27 vi 2007, 2 males, 2 females, 2 larvae; 24 viii 2007, 1 male, 2 females, 2 larvae; 23 ix 2007, 4 males, 5 females, 2 larvae; 27 x 2007, 3 males, 8 females, 3 larvae; 13 xii 2007, 2 males, 3 females, 2 larvae.
Ciriacremum sp. 3 (host plant: Hymenostegia afzelii, Fabaceae): Makoure: 27 xii 2007, 2 males, 3 females.
Genus Kleiniella aulman 1912: Kleiniella sp. 1 (host plant: Hymenostegia brachyura, Fabaceae): Ngoulemakong: 26 v 2006, 2 male, 3 female; 27 vii 2006, 1 male; 23 iv 2007, 2 female. Nkolandom: 24 iv 2007, 1 male, 2 females.
Kleiniella sp. 2 (host plant: Loesenera talbotii, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 27 v 2007, 1 male, 2 females; 23 ix 2007, 2 males, 1 female.
Kleiniella sp. 3 (host plant: Zenkerella citrina, Fabaceae): Ngallan: 27 vii 2006, 1 male, 2 females; 25 x 2006, 2 females; 23 iv 2007, 1 male, 2 females; 20 vii 2007, 1 female.
Kleiniella sp. 4 (host plant: Hymenostegia felicis, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 30 iii 2007, 5 males, 8 females, 5 larvae; 22 iv 2007, 9 males, 14 females, 9 larvae; 05 v 2007, 15 males, 17 females; 9 larvae; 27 vi 2007, 4 males, 6 females, 3 larvae; 26 vi 2007, 5 males, 4 females, 2 larvae; 24 viii 2007, 3 males, 5 females, 2 larvae; 22 ix 2007, 2 males, 2 females;26 x 2007, 10 males, 18 females, 12 larvae; 12 xii 2007, 5 males, 8 females, 4larvae; Nkolandom: 27 vi 2007, 3 males, 3 females, 1 larva; 24 viii 2007, 2 males, 3 females, 3 larvae; 23 ix 2007, 4 males, 6 females, 4 larvae; 27 x 2007, 9 males, 12 females, 8 larvae; 13 xii 2007, 2 males, 5 females, 3 larvae.
Subfamily diaphorininae vondracek 1957
Genus Diaphorina low 1879: Diaphorina sp. (host plant: Vernomia
amygdalina, Asteraceae): Ebolowa: 24 ix 2007, 14 males, 22 females, 24 larvae;
25 xi 2007, 10 males, 16 females, 13 larvae.
Epipsylla sp. 1 (host plant: Margaritaria discoidea, Euphorbiaceae): Nkolandom: 26 v 2007, 2 males, 1 females; 24 x 2006, 2 females; 25 viii 2007, 1 male, 1 female; 28 xi 2007, 1 female.
Epipsylla sp. 2 (host plant: Baphiopsis sp., Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 26 v 2007, 1 male, 2 females.
Subfamily euphalerinae becker-migdisova 1973
Genus Colophorina capener (1973): Colophorina sp. (host plant:
Baphiopsis parviflora, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 29 i 2006,3 males, 2 females,
2 larvae; 30 iii 2006, 1male, 4 female,1 larva; 22 iv 2006, 1 male, 2 females,
1 larva; 25 v 2006, 3 males, 14 females, 5 larvae; 23 vi 2006, 2 males, 9 females,
3 larvae; 27 viii 2006, 2 males, 3 females, 1 larva; 25 x 2006, 7 females, 2
larvae; 27 i 2007, 2 males, 3 females, 2 larvae; 28 ii 2007, 4 males, 5 females,
3 larvae; 27 iv 2007, 9 males, 15 females, 15 larvae; 23 v 2007, 2 males, 6
females, 2 larvae; 22 vii 2007, 3 males, 2 females; 26 x 2006, 3 females; 20
vii 2007, 3 males, 5 females, 1 larva; 22 ix 2007, 1 female; 26 x 2007, 1 male,
3 females, 1 larva; 16 xii 2007, 4 females, 1 larva. Bipindi: 10 ix 2007, 2
males, 3 females, 2 larvae. Nkolandom: 22 iv 2006, 3 male, 6 females, 2 larvae;
24 ix 2006, 5 males, 7 females; 23 v 2007, 6 males, 12 females, 4 larvae. Ambam:
27 vi 2006, 5 males, 8 female, 2 larvae.
Genus Euryconus aulman 1912: Euryconus sp. (Host plant: Dalium sp., Fabaceae): Madong: 08 ix 2007, 1 male, 3 females, 1 larva. Bitchoka: 09 ix 2007, 3 females.
Gen. sp. 1 (host plant: Millettia laurentii, Fabaceae): Nkolandom: 28 i 2006, 5 males, 8 females, 3 larvae; 22 ii 2006, 4 males, 7 females, 2 larvae; 30 iii 2006, 2 males, 6 females; 22 iv 2006, 19 males, 27 females, 52 larvae; 25 v 2006, 21 males, 25 females, 43 larvae; 23 vi 2006, 10 males, 11 females, 19 larvae; 27 viii 2006, 3 males, 5 females, 1 larva; 26 ix 2006, 2 males, 3 females, 3 larvae; 25 x 2006, 12 males,16 females,15 larvae; 23 xi 2006, 4 males, 9 females, 2 larvae; 27 I 2007,1 male, 2 females, 2 larvae; 28 ii 2007, 2 males, 2 females; 27 iv 2007, 9 males, 13 females, 11 larvae; 23 v 2007, 12 males, 20 females, 16 larvae; 22 vii 2007, 2 males, 6 females, 1 larva; 26 x 2007,6 males, 10 females, 4 larvae. Bipindi: 10 ix 2007, 8 males, 11 females, 9 larvae. Nkoemvone: 27 iii 2006, 2 males, 6 females, 2 larvae; 22 iv 2006, 22 males, 32 females, 27 larva; 24 ix 2006, 6 males, 11 females, 2 larvae; 23 v 2007, 7 males, 9 females, 8 larvae. Ngallan: 22 iv 2006, 11 males, 17 females, 16 larvae; 25 v 2006, 8 males, 12 females, 22 larvae; 27 viii 2006, 2 males, 4 females, 2 larvae; 23 xi 2006, 2 males, 8 female, 3 larvae; 28 ii 2007, 2 females; 27 iv 2007, 13 males, 22 females, 17 larvae; 23 v 2007, 10 males, 18 females, 9 larvae; 23 vii 2007, 3 males, 5 females; 26 x 2007, 3 males, 7 females, 2 larvae.
Gen. sp. 2 (host plant: Detarium macrocarpum, Fabaceae): Bikoka: 09 ix 2007, 2 males, 5 females; 10 ix 2007, 1 male, 3 females. Bijouka: 10 ix 2007, 2 females. Nkolandom: 28 xii 2007, 1 female.
Gen. sp. 3 (host plant: Millettia sp., Fabaceae): Nvo’meka: 27 vii 2007, 2 females; 27 vii 2007, 1 male, 1 female.
Subfamily paurocephalinae vondracek (1963)
Genus Paurocephala crawford 1914: Paurocephala sp. 1 (host
plant: Cnestis ferruginea, Connaraceae): Nkolandom: 22 iv 2006, 7 males,
12 females, 6 larvae; 26 v 2006, 5 males, 9 females, 5 larvae; 24 vi 2006, 4
males, 4 females, 3 larvae; 27 viii 2006, 2 males, 3 females, 1 larva; 27 ix
2006, 2 males, 3 females; 25 x 2006, 3 males, 6 females, 2 larvae; 27 i 2007,
2 males, 3 female, 2 larvae; 28 ii 2007, 3 males, 4 females, 3 larvae; 25 iii
2007, 4 males, 6 females; 27 iv 2007, 7 males, 12 females, 9 larvae; 23 v 2007,
3 males, 4 females, 1 larva; 26 vi 2007, 2 males, 6 females, 3 larvae; 27 x
2007, 1 male, 2 females, 4 larvae; 28 xi 2007, 6 males, 9 females, 10 larvae;
16 xii 2007, 1 male, 3 females. Bipindi: 10 ix 2007, 7 males, 10 females, 12
larvae. Nkoemvone: 24 vi 2006, 5 males, 7 females, 4 larvae; 24 ix 2006, 3 males,
5 females; 23 i 2007, 3 males, 4 females, 2 larvae; 28 v 2007, 7 males, 14 females,
7 larvae. Ambam: 27 vi 2006, 2 males, 2 females, 3 larvae.
Paurocephala sp. 2 (host plant: Agelaea hirsuta, Connaraceae): Nkoemvone: 05 v 2007, 5 males, 8 females, 3 larvae; 27 vii 2007, 2 males, 2 females, 1 larva; 28 ix 2007, 1 male, 2 females; 23 x 2007, 2 males, 5 females, 2 larvae; 17 xii 2007, 1 male, 1 female. Bijouka: 10 ix 2007, 3 males, 5 females, 1 larva.
Paurocephala sp. 3 (host plant unknown): Nkoemvone: 26 v 2006, 2 males,4 females; 28 vii 2006, 1 male, 2 females; 25 x 2006, 2 females.
Genus Diclidophlebia crawford 1920: Diclidophlebia eastopi Vondrácek, 1963 (host plant: Triplochiton scleroxylon, Sterculiaceae): Ngallan: 28 ix 2006, 1 male, 1 female; 26 x 2006, 3 females; 23 xi 2006, 1 male, 2 females, 1 larva; 24 i 2007, 1 male, 2 females; 26 ii 2007, 1 male, 2 females, 1 larva; 27 iv 2007, 4 males, 7 females; 25 v 2007, 3 males, 4 females; 28 vii 2007, 1 female; 27 ix 2007, 1 male, 2 females, 2 larvae; 25 xi 2007, 1 male. Zoetele: 29 iii 2007, 2 males, 3 females.
Diclidophlebia harrisoni Osisanya. 1969 (host plant: Triplochiton scleroxylon, Sterculiaceae): Ngallan: 26 x 2006, 1 female; 23 xi 2006, 1 male, 1 female; 24 i 2007, 2 males, 1 female; 26 ii 2007, 2 females; 28 vii 2007, 1 male.
Diclidophlebia xuani Messi. 1998 (host plant: Ricinodendron heudelotii, Euphorbiaceae): Nkoemvone: 27 x 2006, 2 males, 3 females; 26 xi 2006, 4 males, 5 females, 2 larvae; 16 xii 2006, 1 male, 2 females, 2 larvae; 24 ii 2007, 7 males, 8 females, 4 larvae; 25 iii 2007, 7 males, 8 females, 16 larvae; 26 iv 2007, 7 males, 12 females, 10 larvae; 27 vi 2007, 2 males, 1 female, 4 larvae; 26 ix 2007, 1 male, 2 females, 1 larva. Nkolandom: 26 iv 2007, 3 males, 7 females, 8 larvae; 26 vii 2007, 3 males, 4 females, 3 larvae; 28 viii 2007, 2 males, 3 females; 25 ix 2007, 3 females; 24 x 2007, 1 male, 1 female.
Diclidophlebia irvingiae Burckhardt et al. (2006) (host plant: Irvingia gabonensis, Simaroubaceae): Ngallan: 24 iv 2007, 1 male,1 female.
Diclidophlebia leptonychiae Burckhardt et al. (2006) (host plant: Leptonychia macrantha, Sterculiaceae): Lolodorf: 10 ix 2007, 1 male, 2 females; 11 ix 2007, 2 females.
Diclidophlebia sp. (host plant: Urena lobata, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 05 v 2007, 7 males, 10 females, 2 larvae; 24 vi 2007, 3 males, 7 females, 2 larvae; 27 vii 2007, 2 males, 5 females; 27 ix 2007, 1 male, 1 female; 29 x 2007, 3 males, 6 females; 26 xi 2007, 1 male, 4 females. Bijouka: 10 ix 2007, 6 males, 12 females.
Genus Syntomoza enderlein 1921: Syntomoza sp. (host plant: Homalium letestui, Flacourtiaceae): Nvo’meka: 27 vii 2007, 4 males, 8 females; 28 vii 2007, 7 males, 10 females, 3 larvae.
Subfamily psyllinae/arytaininae crawford 1879
Genus Palaeolindbergiella heslop-harrison 1961: Palaeolindbergiella
sp.1 (host plant: Dalbergia sp, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 28 vii 2007, 3
males, 4 females, 4 larvae; 25 viii 2007, 2 males, 3 females, 1 larva; 28 x
2007, 2 males, 6 females, 2 larvae; 26 xi 2007, 1 male, 2 females, 1 larva.
Palaeolindbergiella sp. 2 (host plant: Dalbergia sp, Fabaceae): Nkoemvone: 28 vii 2007, 2 males, 5 females, 3 larvae; 25 viii 2007, 2 males, 3 females; 28 x 2007, 7 males, 8 females, 5 larvae.
Gen. sp. (host plant: Anthonotha macrophylla, Fabaceae): Bijouka: 10 xii 2007, 15 larvae; Makoure: 27 xii 2007, 3 males, 5 females.
DISCUSSION
Faunistics: From January 2006 to December 2007, a survey in the South Region of Cameroon permitted to collect 35 species of Psyllidae. They belong to the following 6 subfamilies: Aphalaroidinae (1 genus, 5 species), Ciriacreminae (3 genera, 9 species), Diaphorininae (2 genera, 3 species), Euphalerinae (5 genera, 5 species), Paurocephalinae (3 genera, 10 species) and Psyllinae/Arytaininae (2 genera, 3 species). The biodiversity of psyllids of Psyllidae family recovered in the south region of Cameroon was in contrast of what previous works showed in Cameroon. But some species collected in this region were also collected by previous researched in the West and Center regions of Cameroon. Tamesse (2005) listed 26 species of Psyllidae from the entire territory of Cameroon; Dzokou et al. (2009) and Yana et al. (2010) listed respectively 37 and 45 species of Psyllidae in West and Center region of Cameroon. Thirty one psyllids species of Psyllidae family recorded in the Center region of Cameroon (Yana et al., 2010), were collected during this study in South region of Cameroon. These species are: Yangus sp. 3; Yangus sp. 4; Yangus sp. 5; Heteropsylla cubana; Ciriacremum nigeriense; Ciriacremum sp. 1; Ciriacremum sp. 3; Kleiniella sp. 1; Kleiniella sp. 2; Kleiniella sp. 3; Diaphorina sp.; Epipsylla sp. 1; Epipsylla sp. 2; Colophorina sp.; Euryconus sp.; Gen. sp. 1; Gen. sp. 2; Gen. sp. 3; Paurocephala sp. 1; Paurocephala sp. 2; Diclidophlebia eastopi; Diclidophlebia harrisoni; Diclidophlebia xuani; Diclidophlebia irvingiae; Diclidophlebia leptonychiae; Diclidophlebia sp.; Syntomoza sp.; Palaeolindbergiella sp.1; Palaeolindbergiella sp.2 and Gen. sp. The common species were very high; this can by explain by the similar climate and vegetation we have in the Center and South regions; the population of Ciriacremum nigeriense and Ciriacremum sp. 1 was more important in South region than in the Center region; some species were less important in density comparate to what we recorded in the Center region: Yangus sp. 4; Ciriacremum sp. 3; Kleiniella sp. 2; Epipsylla sp. 1; Epipsylla sp. 2 and Paurocephala sp. 2. Fourth species recorded in the South region: Yangus sp. 2; Ciriacremum sp. 2; Kleiniella sp. 4 and Paurocephala sp. 3 were not collected in the Center region.
Nine psyllids species of Psyllidae family recorded in the West region of Cameroon (Dzokou et al., 2009), were collected during this study in South region of Cameroon. These species are: Yangus sp.1; Yangus sp. 2; Yangus sp. 3; Yangus sp. 4; Heteropsylla cubana; Diaphorina sp.; Paurocephala sp. 1; Palaeolindbergiella sp.1 and Palaeolindbergiella sp.2. Some important difference between climate and vegetation in this two regions, can explain this result; all those species have more representative effective in South region except Diaphorina sp. Twenty six species recorded here were not observed in the Western region according to Dzokou et al. (2009).
Three psyllids species of Psyllidae family were collected in the South region of Cameroon. Any of these species weren’t recorded in the Center and west region of Cameroon. These species are: Ciriacremum sp.2, Kleiniella sp. 4 collected in host plant, Hymenostegia felicis and Paurocephala sp. 3. Hymenostegia felicis can be a host plant which is endemic of certain localities of the south region.
One specie is exotic pest which recently have been introduced into Cameroon: Heteropsylla cubana develops on Leucaena spp. Both are pests on their hosts and have been reported also from elsewhere in Africa.
Seven species were common being collected at least Twenty times: Euphaleurinae Gen. sp. 1 (30 times), Ciriacremum sp. 1 (27 times), Paurocephala sp. 1 (26 times), Ciriacremum nigeriense (26 times), Heteropsylla cubana (22 times), Colophorina sp. (22 times), Yangus sp. 1 (23 times). Seventeen species were collected less than five times: Ciriacremum sp. 3, Kleiniella sp. 1, Kleiniella sp. 2, Kleiniella sp. 3, Diaphorina sp., Epipsylla sp.1, Epipsylla sp. 2, Euryconus sp., Euphaleurinae Gen. sp. 2, Euphaleurinae Gen. sp. 3, Paurocephala sp. 3, Diclidophlebia irvingiae, Diclidophlebia leptonchiae, Syntomoza sp., Palaeolindbergiella sp. 1, Palaeolindbergiella sp. 2 and Psyllinae/Arytaininae Gen. sp.
Phenology: From January 2006 to December 2007, Heterospylla cabana was collected 22 times at Nkoemvone. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on its host plant, Leucena sp. Psyllids pullulation were noted from April and September 2006, from March and August 2007. The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Heteropsylla cubana collected at Nkoemvone on Leucena sp. showed that psyllid pullulation varied during the period of observations (Fig. 1). Phenology of host plant justifies this proliferation because during the rainy season, this plant renews its leaves.
From January 2006 to December 2007, Ciriacremum nigeriensis was collected 26 times at Nkolandom. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on its host plant, Hylodendron gabunensis. Four peaks of proliferation were observed: March, June and September 2006 and April 2007. The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Ciriacremun nigeriense collected at Nkolandom on Hylodendron gabunensis showed that psyllid pullulation varied from one month to another during the period of observations (Fig. 2). Phenology of host plant justifies this proliferation because during the rainy season it renews theirs leaves.
From January 2006 to December 2007, Yangus sp. 1 was collected 23 times at Nkoemvone. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on host plant, Albizia adiantifolia. Three peaks of proliferation were observed: a major peak at June 2006, a constant peak from March to june 2007 and the last peak at October 2007. The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Yangus sp. 1 collected at Nkoemvone on Albizia adiantifolia showed that psyllids pullulation varied from one month to another during the period of observations (Fig. 3). This difference of proliferation was dued by the phenology of host plant.
From January 2006 to December 2007, Ciriacremum sp. 1 was collected 27 times at Nkoemvone. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on host plant, Plagiosiphon longitubus.
| Fig. 1: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Heteropsylla cubana collected at Nkoemvone on Leucena sp. |
| Fig. 2: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Ciriacremun nigeriense collected at Nkolandom on Hylodendron gabunensis |
| Fig. 3: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Yangus sp. 1 collected at Nkoemvone on Albizia adiantifolia |
Two peaks of proliferation were noted: May to July 2006 and May 2007. The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Ciriacremun sp. 1 collected at Nkoemvone on Plagiosiphon longitubus showed that psyllid pullulation varied from one month to another during the period of this study (Fig. 4). Phenology of host plant justifies this proliferation because during the rainy season it renews theirs leaves.
From January 2006 to December 2007, Colophorina sp. was collected 22 times at Nkoemvone. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on host plant, Baphiopsis parviflora. Two peaks of proliferation were observed: a minor peak at May 2006, a major peak at April 2007.
| Fig. 4: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Ciriacremun sp. 1 collected at Nkoemvone on Plagiosiphon longitubus |
| Fig. 5: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Colophorina sp. collected at Nkoemvone on Baphiopsis parviflora |
The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Colophorina sp. collected at Nkoemvone on Baphiopsis parviflora showed that psyllid pullulation varied from one month to another during the period of observations (Fig. 5). After the rainfall, this host plant renews theirs leaves, Phenology of host plant justifies this proliferation.
From January 2006 to December 2007, Euphalerinae Gen. sp. 1 was collected 30 times at Nkolandom. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on host plant, Millettia laurentii. Three peaks of proliferation were noted: a major peak at April 2006, two minor peaks at October 2006 and May 2007. The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Euphalerinae Gen. sp.1 collected at Nkolandom on Millettia laurentii showed that psyllid pullulation varied from one month to another during the period of observations (Fig. 6).
| Fig. 6: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Euphalerinae Gen. sp.1 collected at Nkolandom on Millettia laurentii |
| Fig. 7: | Numbers of larvae, males and females of Paurocephala. sp.1 collected at Nkolandom on Cnestis ferruginea |
From January 2006 to December 2007, Paurocephala. sp.1 was collected 26 times at Nkolandom. Most of the time all developmental stages were observed on host plant, Cnestis ferruginea. Three peaks of proliferation were observed: April 2006 and 2007, November 2007; two minor peaks insert to the major peak: November 2006 and June 2007. The monthly variation of larvae, males and females of Paurocephala. sp.1 collected at Nkolandom on Cnestis ferruginea showed that psyllid pullulation varied from one month to another during the period of observations (Fig. 7). Phenology of host plant justifies this proliferation because during and after the rainy season it renews theirs leaves.
| Table 2: | List of Host plants families and genera with associated psyllid species from the South region of Cameroon |
Host plants: Host plants families and genera with associated psyllid species are listed; only one psyllid specie reported from the South Region of Cameroon have unknown host plant (Table 2).
The Fabaceae constitutes the family with the largest number of associated psyllid species, it includes 14 species of host plants; their psyllids belong to the genera: Ciriacremum, Colophorina, Diclidophlebia, Euphaleurinae Gen. sp., Euryconus, Heteropsylla, Kleiniella, Palaeolindbergiella sp., Psyllinae/Arytaininae Gen. sp. and Yangus. In this family, Hymenostegia felicis hosted two different species: Ciriacremum sp. 2 and Kleiniella sp. 4; and Dalbergia sp. hosted also two different species of Palaeolindbergiella genus. Albizia and Hymenostegia genera host plant were respectively associated five and four psyllid species. The family of Connaraceae includes two species; their psyllids belong to the Paurocephala genus. The family of Euphorbiaceae includes two species; their psyllids belong to the Diclidophlebia and Epipsylla genera. The family of Sterculiaceae includes two species; their psyllids belong to the Diclidophlebia genus. The other families are represented by only one species: Asteraceae, its psyllid belongs to the Diaphorina genus; Flacourticeae and Simaroubaceae, its psyllids belong respectively to Syntomoza and Diclidophlebia genera. Triplochiton scleroxylon hosted two species: Diclidophlebia eastopi and D. harrisoni.
Some damages caused by psyllids of Psyllidae family on their host plants were recorded and photographed. During higher proliferation, larvae of Euphaleurinae Gen. sp1 invaded leaves of Milletia laurentii (Fig. 8a); larvae of Psyllinae/Arytaininae Gen. sp on Anthonota macrophylla secreted a white waxy flocculence on the flowers and buds of their host plants (Fig. 8b); Ciriacremum sp. 3 on Hymenostegia afzelii, induced distortion and deformation on leaves (Fig. 8c). Larvae and aldults of Yangus sp. 4, induced galls on leaves of Albizia zigia (Fig. 8d) and Colophorina sp. on Baphiopsis parviflora induced discoloration on leaves (Fig. 8e).
| Fig. 8: | Psyllids damages on host plants, (a) Larvae of Euphaleurinae Gen. sp1 fixed on leaves of Milletia laurentii, (b) white waxy flocculence produced by Psyllinae/Arytaininae Gen. sp on Anthonota macrophylla, (c) distortion and deformation induced by larvae of Ciriacremum sp. 3 on leaves of Hymenostegia afzelii, (d) distortion and galls induced by Yangus sp. 4 on leaves of Albizia zigia, (e) white waxy flocculence and discoloring produced by Colophorina sp. on buds of Baphiopsis parviflora |
In various regions of Cameroon, Tamesse (2005) collected 26 species of psyllids of Psyllidae family, within 14 genera and 8 subfamilies. In the Western region of Cameroon, Dzokou et al. (2009) recognised 37 species, 22 genera and 7 subfamilies. In the Center region of Cameroon, Yana et al. (2010) recognised 45 species, 24 genera and 7 subfamilies. During the present survey, we recorded within the same family in the South region of Cameroun, 35 species belonging to 16 genera and 6 subfamiles. Four genera and 18 species are undescribed. Among the 35 species, 30 are reported for the first time from the South region. The Psyllidae family is more diversify in Cameroon than Triozidae and Phacopteronidae families; according to Tamesse et al. (2007) who included 2 genera and 35 psyllids species in Triozidae family and Malenovsky et al. (2007) who indicated 9 psyllids species in Phacopteronidae family in Cameroon.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank Prof. B. Sonke (University of Yaounde I) and Dr. Tadjoute (National Herbarium Yaounde) for the identification of plants. This study was partly funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Research Partnership with Developing Countries, Project No. 3170A0-109221/1, to DB and JLT).