The distribution of the eggs of the African mopane psyllid Retroacizzia mopani on the mopane tree Colophospermum mopane leaves was studied in the field and in the laboratory by observations and scanning electron microscopy. R. mopani eggs were observed and collected from the host plant, on which the nymphs live and feed on the leaf phloem. The distribution of eggs and nymphs on the leaflets was observed. Eggs were deposited mostly on the abaxial surface and most eggs (76%) were found along veins. Contrary to the literature, eggs were not attached to the leaflet surface by a pedicel but were glued to the surface. Eggs were laid mostly in clusters and were often camouflaged by black fungal spots that were common on the leaflets. To avoid desiccation, C. mopane leaflets usually fold together to reduce the surface area exposed to sunlight, thus reducing the rate of water loss.

To cite this paper: Oppong, C.K., Addo-Bediako, A., Potgieter, M.J. & Wessels, D.C.J. 2009. Distribution of the eggs of the mopane psyllid Retroacizzia mopani (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on the mopane tree. African Invertebrates 50 (1): 185-190.