Systematics, phylogeography and biology of Australian jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)
This project is investigating the sytematics, phylogeography and biology (including host specificity and co-evolution with host plants) of Australian jumping plant-lice and lerp insects. These include a radiation of Acizzia (Psyllidae) on Australian and New Guinean mistletoes (Loranthaceae), Acizzia of economic importance on various horticultural crops, such as eggplant and chinese gooseberry (Solanaceae) (with Debbie Kent), and short-range endemic and endangered Acizzia on endangered species of Acacia (Fabaceae) (with Melinda Moir). The Psylloidea are often highly host specific (with potential for biological control), vectors of economically important plant diseases (with implications for biosecurity), short-range endemics (with high conservation status) and with notable endemic Australian radiations, making them ideal candidates for comparative phylogenetic and co-evolutionary studies.
Collaborators
Dr Debbie Kent (NSW Department of Primary Industries) and Dr Melinda Moir (University of Melbourne).
