2011 Nomination– Acizzia keithi
Section 1 - Legal Status, Distribution, Biological, Ecological
Conservation Theme
1. The conservation themes for the
assessment period commencing
1 October 2009 (for which
nominations close 26 March 2009)
are ‘terrestrial, estuarine and
near–shore environments of
Australia’s coast’, and
‘rivers, wetlands and
groundwater dependent species
and ecosystems of inland
Australia’.
This nomination is for a species that is co-dependent upon
another species for its existence in the Blue Mountains of
New South Wales. It does not appear to fall within either
of the conservation themes.
How does this nomination relate to
the conservation theme?
Taxonomy
2. What are the currently
accepted scientific and common
name/s for the species (please
include Indigenous names, where
known)?
Note any other scientific names that
have been used recently. Note the
species authority and the Order and
Family to which the species belongs
(Family name alone is sufficient for
plants, however, both Order and
Family name are required for
insects).
3. Is this species conventionally
accepted? If not, explain why. Is
there any controversy about the
taxonomy?
4. If the species is NOT
conventionally accepted, please
provide:
Scientific name: Acizzia keithi Taylor & Moir, 2009
Family: Psyllidae
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Order: Hemiptera
Class: Insecta
Common name: Keith’s plant-louse (Taylor & Moir 2009)
Yes, based on a peer-reviewed research publication (Taylor
& Moir 2009)
NA
(i) a taxonomic description of the
species in a form suitable for publication
in conventional scientific literature; OR
(ii) evidence that a scientific institution
has a specimen of the species and a
written statement signed by a person
who has relevant taxonomic expertise
(has worked, or is a published author,
on the class of species nominated), that
the person thinks the species is a new
species.
5. Is this species taxonomically
distinct (Taxonomic distinctiveness
– a measure of how unique a
Yes, based on a peer-reviewed research publication (Taylor
& Moir 2009)
species is relative to other species)?
Legal Status
6. What is the species’ current
conservation status under
Australian and State/Territory
Government legislation?
7. Does the species have specific
protection (e.g. listed on an annex
or appendix) under other legislation
or intergovernmental
arrangements, e.g. Convention on
International Trade in Endangered
Fauna and Flora (CITES),
Convention on Migratory Species
(CMS).
Unlisted
No
Description
8. Give a brief description of the
species’ appearance, including size
and/or weight, and sex and age
variation if appropriate; social
structure and dispersion (e.g.
solitary/clumped/flocks).
9. Give a brief description of the
species’ ecological role (for
example, is it a ‘keystone’ or
‘foundation’ species, does it play a
role in processes such as seed
dispersal or pollination).
Acizzia keithi is a small winged plant-louse (~3 mm) and,
as with all species of plant-lice, requires expert
taxonomists to distinguish it from other species. For a full
detailed description, see Taylor & Moir (2009).
This species is a herbivore. As for other plant-lice species,
Acizzia keithi is a key recycler of nutrients by expelling
manna after feeding on the sap of plants. Plant-lice also
account for a large part of the diet of many insectivorous
birds and predatory invertebrates (e.g., Stone, 1996).
Australian Distribution
10. Describe the species’ current
and past distribution in
Australia and, if available, attach a
map.
11. What is the extent of
occurrence (in km2) for the
species (described in Attachment
A); explain how it was calculated
and datasets used.
a.
b.
What is the current extent of
occurrence?
What data are there to indicate
past declines in extent of
occurrence (if available, include
data that indicates the
percentage decline over the
past 10 years or 3 generations
whichever is longer)?
Acizzia keithi is currently known only from one location
(Cataract Falls) in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales
(see Taylor & Moir 2009). Past distribution is unknown.
Acizzia keithi is currently known only from one population
of its host plant, Pultenaea glabra in the Blue Mountains.
This population occurs within a 1km2 area, however,
further populations of plant-louse could occur on other,
unsampled, populations of Pultenaea glabra within the Blue
Mountains. Acizzia keithi formed a part of a dataset from
an ARC discovery funded project on the co-extinction of
insects on threatened plant species. For this project, other
Pultenaea and pea species within the area were sampled
for the Acizzia without success.
Approximately 1km2
No past data is available for Acizzia keithi. However, its
host plant Pultenaea glabra is listed nationally as
‘vulnerable’ because of its disjunct distribution and
vulnerability to threatening processes (e.g., see Fraser et
al. 2004; Anon. 2008).
c. What data are there to indicate
future changes in extent of
occurrence (if available, include
data that indicates the
percentage decline over 10
years or 3 generations
whichever is longer (up to a
maximum of 100 years in the
future) where the time period is
a continuous period that may
include a component of the
past)?
12. What is the area of
occupancy (in km2) for the species
(described in Attachment A);
explain how calculated and datasets
that are used.
a.
b.
c.
What is the current area of
occupancy?
What data are there to indicate
past declines in area of
occupancy (if available, include
data that indicates the
percentage decline over the
past 10 years or 3 generations
whichever is longer)?
What data are there to indicate
future changes in area of
occupancy (if available, include
data that indicates the
percentage decline over 10
years or 3 generations
whichever is longer (up to a
maximum of 100 years in the
future) where the time period is
a continuous period that may
include a component of the
past)?
13. How many natural locations
do you consider the species occurs
in and why? Where are these
located?
The term 'location' defines a
geographically or ecologically distinct
area.
14. Give locations of other
populations: captive/propagated
populations; populations recently
re-introduced to the wild; and sites
for proposed population reintroductions. Note if these sites
have been identified in recovery
plans.
15. Is the species’ distribution
severely fragmented? What is the
cause of this fragmentation?
Describe any biological, geographic,
human-induced or other barriers
causing this species’ populations to
be fragmented.
Severely fragmented refers to the
situation in which increased extinction
risk to the taxon results from most
individuals being found in small and
relatively isolated subpopulations (in
certain circumstances this may be
No data is available for Acizzia keithi. However, its host
plant Pultenaea glabra is vulnerable to the threatening
processes of inappropriate fire regime, dieback disease
(caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi), and habitat clearing
(see Fraser et al. 2004). Given that only a single
population of Acizzia keithi is currently known, it is
extremely vulnerable to extinction if its host plant
population is extinguished. (Most Psyllidae are highly host
specific. It is highly unlikely that Acizzia keithi occurs on
hosts other than P. glabra).
Approximately 1km2, as calculated from Taylor & Moir
(2009).
Approximately 1km2
No past data is available for Acizzia keithi as it was only
discovered in 2008 (see Taylor & Moir 2009). However, its
host plant Pultenaea glabra is listed nationally as
‘vulnerable’ because of its disjunct distribution and
vulnerability to threatening processes (Fraser et al. 2004).
No data is available for Acizzia keithi. However, its host
plant Pultenaea glabra is vulnerable to the threatening
processes of inappropriate fire regime, dieback disease
(caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi), and habitat clearing
(see Fraser et al. 2004). Given that only a single
population of Acizzia keithi is currently known, it is
extremely vulnerable to extinction if its host plant
population is extinguished.
Currently only the one population of Acizzia keithi is known
at Cataract Falls in the Blue Mountains (Taylor & Moir
2009). However, further sampling could uncover the plantlouse on other populations of its threatened host plant,
Pultenaea glabra, in the Blue Mountains (see also comment
on host specificity, above).
No other populations currently known.
This information for A. keithi is unknown, although the host
plant, Pultenaea glabra, has a severely disjunct distribution
in eastern Australia (i.e. see CHAH 1995-2002; de Kok &
West 2002; Fraser et al. 2004).
inferred from habitat information).
These small subpopulations may go
extinct, with a reduced probability of
recolonisation.
Global Distribution
17. Describe the species’ global
distribution.
18. Give an overview of the global
population’s size, trends, threats
and security of the species outside
Australia.
19. Explain the relationship
between the Australian population
and the global population,
including:
a.
b.
c.
What percentage of the global
population occurs in Australia;
Is the Australian population
distinct, geographically
separate or does part or all of
the population move in/out of
Australia’s jurisdiction (give an
overview; details in Movements
section);
Do global threats affect the
Australian population?
Acizzia keithi is known only from Australia (New South
Wales).
NA
100%
NA
None known.
Surveys and Monitoring
20. Has the species been
reasonably well surveyed?
Provide an overview of surveys to date
and the likelihood of its current known
distribution and/or population size being
its actual distribution and/or population
size.
21. For species nominated as
extinct or extinct in the wild, please
provide details of the most recent
known collection, or authenticated
sighting of the species and
whether additional populations are
likely to exist.
22. Is there an ongoing
monitoring programme? If so,
please describe the extent and
length of the programme.
In 2008 and 2009 I undertook fieldwork sampling plant
species in the Blue Mountains and Sydney regions to
identify possible co-threatened insects on threatened plant
species. Acizzia keithi was only found at one site. I have
unsuccessfully searched for this species in other
entomological collections (e.g., Australian Museum,
Australian National Insect Collection, DPI NSW, Macquarie
University Insect Collection from Lesley Hughes’s lab).
However, it is possible that Acizzia keithi occurs on other,
as yet unsampled, populations of Pultenaea glabra.
NA
No
Life Cycle and Population
23. What is the species’ total
population size in terms of number
of mature individuals? How were
population estimates derived and
are they reliable? Are there other
useful measures of population size
and what are they?
In the absence of figures, terms such as
common, abundant, scarce can be of value.
Population size is difficult to quantify for most species of
invertebrates, especially insects which have a high annual
turnover. Compared to other insects, Acizzia keithi was
scarce, with a total of only nine individuals found.
24. Does the species occur in a
number of smaller populations?
How many? For each population
give the locality, numbers and
trends in numbers and tenure of
land (include extinct populations).
Can these be considered to be
subpopulations and why?
The only population known is at Cataract Falls in the Blue
Mountains. This locality is currently listed as part of the
Blue Mountains National Park.
Subpopulations are defined as
geographically or otherwise distinct groups in
the population between which there is little
demographic or genetic exchange.
25. Provide details on ages of the
following:
a. sexual maturity;
b. life expectancy;
c.
natural mortality.
26. Reproduction
For plants: When does the species
flower and set fruit? What
conditions are needed for this?
What is the pollinating mechanism?
If the species is capable of
vegetative reproduction, a
description of how this occurs, the
conditions needed and when. Does
the species require a disturbance
regime (e.g. fire, cleared ground) in
order to reproduce?
For animals: provide overview of
breeding system and of breeding
success, including: when does it
breed; what conditions are needed
for breeding; are there any
breeding behaviours that may make
it vulnerable to a threatening
process?
27. What is the population trend
for the entire species?
a.
b.
What data are there to indicate
past decline in size (if
available, include data on rate
of decline over past 10 years or
3 generations whichever is
longer)?
What data are there to indicate
future changes in size (if
available, include data which
will indicate the percentage of
decline over 10 years or 3
generations whichever in longer
(up to a maximum of 100 years
in the future) where the time
period is a continuous period
that may include a component
of the past)?
28. Does the species undergo
extreme natural fluctuations in
population numbers, extent of
occurrence or area of occupancy?
To what extent and why?
Extreme fluctuations can be said to occur
in a number of taxa when population size or
Unknown
Unknown, but likely to have one to three generations per
year, as per other plant-lice species.
Unknown
NA
This species was discovered in January. No nymphs were
uncovered. As only nine individuals were found, I suggest
that breeding occurs earlier (possibly in spring). Breeding
conditions are unknown, although A. keithi would need
access to the host plant, P. glabra, for egg-laying and the
successful rearing of nymphs through to adulthood.
No past data is available for Acizzia keithi. However, its
host plant Pultenaea glabra is listed nationally as
‘vulnerable’ because of its disjunct distribution and
vulnerability to threatening processes.
No data is available for Acizzia keithi. However, its host
plant Pultenaea glabra is vulnerable to the threatening
processes of inappropriate fire regime, dieback disease
(caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi), and habitat clearing
(see Fraser et al. 2004). Given that only a single
population of Acizzia keithi is currently known, it is
extremely vulnerable to extinction if its host plant
population is extinguished.
As with other species of plant-lice, A. keithi would have
extreme natural fluctuations in population size throughout
one year, and over many years, because of its short lifecycle and dependence on the quality and presence of its
host plant, P. glabra.
distribution area varies widely, rapidly and
frequently, typically with a variation greater
than one order of magnitude (i.e. a tenfold
increase or decrease).
29. What is the generation
length and how it is calculated?
Generation length is the average age of
parents of the current cohort (i.e. newborn
individuals in the population). Generation
length therefore reflects the turnover rate of
breeding individuals in a population.
Generation length is greater than the age at
first breeding and less than the age of the
oldest breeding individual, except in taxa
that breed only once. Where generation
length varies under threat, the more natural,
i.e. pre-disturbance, generation length
should be used.
30. Identify important
populations necessary for the
species’ long-term survival and
recovery? This may include: key
Generation length is unknown, but is likely to be less than
12 months. Most other plant-lice species have three
discrete generations per year in temperate Australia,
maturing in spring (September-October), summer
(December-January) and late summer/autumn (MarchMay), respectively.
The only, and therefore critical, population known is at
Cataract Falls in the Blue Mountains on the host plant
Pultenaea glabra.
breeding populations, those near the
edge of the species’ range or those
needed to maintain genetic diversity.
31. Describe any cross-breeding
None known.
with other species in the wild,
indicating how frequently and where
this occurs.
Populations In Reserve
33. Which populations are in
reserve systems? Which of these
are actively managed for this
species? Give details.
The only known population occurs within the Blue
Mountains National Park. It is not actively managed for A.
keithi.
Habitat
34. Describe the species’ habitat
(e.g. aspect, topography, substrate,
climate, forest type, associated
species, sympatric species). If the
species uses different habitats for
different activities (e.g. breeding,
feeding, roosting, dispersing,
basking), then describe each
habitat.
35. Does the species use refuge
habitat, e.g. in times of fire,
drought or flood? Describe this
habitat.
36. Is the extent or quality of the
species’ habitat in decline? If the
species uses different habitats,
specify which of these are in
decline.
37. Is the species part of, or does
it rely on, a listed threatened
ecological community? Is it
associated with any other listed
threatened species?
Acizzia keithi relies on its host species, Pultenaea glabra,
for its survival. This is an erect shrub to 3 m and is often
associated with swamps or damp depressions in highland
country (700–2200 m above sea level) (de Kok &
West 2002). The only known locality is a creek-bank above
Cataract Falls within tall damp heath and surrounded by
open dry sclerophyll woodland over sandstone.
Not known, but unlikely as it relies on the host plant (P.
glabra) for survival.
Unknown
Yes, A. keithi relies upon its host plant for its survival, and
the plant, P. glabra, is listed nationally as ‘vulnerable’
because of its disjunct distribution and vulnerability to
threatening processes (see Anon. 2008).
Feeding
38. Summarize the species’ food
items or sources and
Acizzia keithi feed on the phloem of the host plant,
Pultenaea glabra. Most species of plant-lice have three
timing/seasonality.
39. Briefly describe the species’
feeding behaviours, including
those that may make the species
vulnerable to a threatening process.
discrete generations per year in temperate Australia.
Adults are likely to occur in spring (September-October),
summer (December-January) and late summer/autumn
(March-May), respectively. Eggs and nymphs are likely to
occur at most other times of the year.
Plant-lice feed from the phloem of their host plants (see
Moir & Brennan 2007). As A. keithi appears to be hostspecific to a threatened plant species, P. glabra, it is
vulnerable to all threatening processes which affect the
plant (see Taylor & Moir 2009).
Movement Patterns (fauna species only)
40. Describe any relevant daily
and seasonal pattern of
movement for the species, or
other irregular patterns of
movement, including relevant
arrival/departure dates if migratory.
41. Give details of the species’
home ranges/territories.
Like most Psyllidae, eggs of A. keithi would be attached to
the host plant, and nymphs would remain on its host
throughout development. Adults of A. keithi may disperse
short distances to adjacent host plants but are unlikely to
move far from the host plant patch at Cataract Falls.
The only population known is at Cataract Falls in the Blue
Mountains on the host plant Pultenaea glabra.
Survey Guidelines
42. Give details of the
distinctiveness and detectability
of the species.
43. Describe methods for
detecting species including when
to conduct surveys (e.g. season,
time of day, weather conditions);
length, intensity and pattern of
search effort; and limitations and
expert acceptance; recommended
methods; survey-effort guide.
Acizzia keithi is easily detected by sampling P. glabra
plants with typical entomological collecting techniques
(such as vacuuming, beating, sweep nets, etc). Because of
their small size, they would be difficult to detect on the
plants for collection by hand. Also because of their size,
only trained personnel would be able to distinguish A.
keithi from other Acizzia species by their colour pattern
and wing markings. However, identification needs to be
confirmed by trained taxonomists.
Collecting plant-lice, including A. keithi, is easiest during
calm, dry days. Individuals of A. keithi have been collected
during January, although the species may be more
abundant during the spring months (further sampling is
required to validate this hypothesis on population
dynamics). When sampling for A. keithi, the host plant P.
glabra should be targeted. Because the host plant is itself
threatened, I recommend not sampling by destructive
methods. In January 2008, 30 individuals of P. glabra were
sampled (15 by beating, 15 by vacuuming) and 9 Acizzia
keithi specimens were recovered (4 from beating, 5 from
vacuuming) (Taylor & Moir 2009; XXXX XXXX unpublished
data). This suggests that at least five host plants must be
sampled to get at least one individual of A. keithi during
January. However, this ratio is expected to change
depending on the season of sampling. Also, plant-lice could
aggregate only on a couple of plants within the population,
therefore I would suggest sampling many more than five
plants to determine whether or not A. keithi is present.
Section 2 - Threats and Threat Abatement
Threats
44. Identify past, current and
future threats, to the species
indicating whether they are actual
The main threat to A. keithi is the loss of its host plant P.
glabra. Therefore, threats to P. glabra populations, such as
inappropriate fire regime, dieback disease (caused by
or potential. For each threat,
describe:
a.
b.
c.
d.
how and where it impacts on
this species;
what its effect has been so far
(indicate whether it is known or
suspected; present supporting
information/research; does it
only affect certain populations);
what is its expected effect in
the future (is there supporting
research/information; is the
threat only suspected; does it
only affect certain populations);
what is the relative
importance or magnitude of
the threat to the species.
45. If not included above, identify
catastrophic threats, i.e. threats
with a low predictability that are
likely to severely affect the species.
Identify the threat, explain its likely
impact and indicate the likelihood of
it occurring (e.g. a drought/cyclone
in the area every 100 years).
46. Identify and explain any
additional biological
characteristics particular to the
species that are threatening to its
survival (e.g. low genetic diversity)?
47. Identify and explain any
quantitative measures or
models that address the probability
of the species’ extinction in the wild
over a particular timeframe.
48. Is there other information
that relates to the survival of this
species that you would like to
address?
Phytophthora cinnamomi), and habitat clearing (see Fraser
et al. 2004) indirectly threaten A. keithi.
All impacts of threats are located at Cataract Falls as this is the only
known population of A. keithi.
Unknown for all threats.
The removal of above ground parts of the plant P. glabra at Cataract
Falls (e.g., through fire, habitat clearing or dieback disease) will
most likely cause the extinction of A. keithi. However, given how
recently this species was discovered, no documentation or research
is present to support this.
Fire, habitat clearing and dieback disease are highly important
because all could remove the above ground parts of the host plant
P. glabra at Cataract Falls, which would most likely cause the
extinction of A. keithi.
Any event which removes the population of the host plant,
P. glabra, from Cataract Falls will have dire consequences
for the A. keithi populations. These threats could include
cyclones, severe drought, weed species or over-grazing
and translocation of plants for ex situ conservation (e.g.,
see Fraser et al. 2004).
The high specificity to its host plant is the most important
characteristic of A. keithi which will determine its future
extinction (see Moir et al. 2010 for a review of coextinction).
No population models currently exist for A. keithi.
The lack of biological information on the species (such as
its population dynamics) inhibits active management of A.
keithi, therefore I advocate further research on the
species.
Threat Abatement and Recovery
49. Give an overview of how
broad-scale threats are being
abated/could be abated and other
recovery actions underway/
proposed. Identify who is
undertaking these activities and
how successful the activities have
been to date.
50. For species nominated as
No management or recovery actions currently exist for A.
keithi. However, the management of the threatened host
plant, P. glabra at Cataract Falls by NSW National Parks
and Wildlife Service, and The Department of Environment
and Conservation (see
http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/ts
profile/pas_profile.aspx?id=10712) will directly impact the
survival of A. keithi (and see Anon 2008).
NA
extinct in the wild, provide details
of the locations in which the
species occurs in captivity and
the level of human intervention
required to sustain the species.
Mitigation Approach
51. Describe any mitigation
measures or approaches that
have been developed specifically for
No management currently exists for A. keithi.
the species at identified locations.
Identify who is undertaking these
activities and how successful the
activities have been to date.
Major Studies
53. Identify major studies on the
species that might relate to its
taxonomy or management.
The project “co-extinction of insects” first discovered A.
keithi in January 2008. This project funded the subsequent
identification and taxonomic description of the species (i.e.
Taylor & Moir 2009).
Management Documentation
54. Identify key management
documentation available for the
species, e.g. recovery plans,
conservation plans, threat
abatement plans.
No management documentation exists.
Section 3 – References and Reviewers
Notes:
 The opinion of appropriate scientific experts may be cited (with their approval) in support of a
nomination. If this is done the names of the experts, their qualifications and full contact details
must also be provided in the reference list below.
 Please provide copies of key documentation/references used in the nomination
56. Reference list








Anon. (2008). Approved Conservation Advice for Pultenaea glabra (Smooth Bush-pea).
In: Approved Conservation Advice, p. 4. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage
and the Arts, Canberra.
Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria (CHAH) (1995–2002) Australia’s Virtual
Herbarium. Available from http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/avh/ (accessed 6 February
2009).
de Kok, R.P.J. & West, J.G. (2002) A revision of Pultenaea (Fabaceae) 1. Species with
ovaries glabrous and/or with tufted hairs. Australian Systematic Botany, 15, 81–113.
Fraser, M., Simmons, D. & Adams, R. (2004) Population decline and potential for
extinction in a population of Pultenaea glabra (Fabaceae) in Victoria. Cunninghamia, 8,
431–438.
Moir M.L. & Brennan K.E.C. (2007) Using bugs (Hemiptera) as ecological and
environmental indicators in forest ecosystems. In Columbus, F. (ed.) New
Developments in Forest Ecology, Nova Science Publishers, New York.
Moir M.L., Vesk P.A., Brennan K.E.C., Hughes L., Keith D.A., & McCarthy M.A. (2010)
Current constraints and future directions in estimating co-extinction. Conservation
Biology, online early.
Stone, C. (1996) The role of psyllid (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and bell miners (Manorina
melanophrys) in canopy dieback of Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna Sm).
Australian Journal of Ecology, 21, 450-458.
Taylor G.S. & Moir M.L. (2009) In threat of co-extinction: two new species of Acizzia
Heslop-Harrison (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from vulnerable species of Acacia and
Pultenaea. Zootaxa, 2249, 20-32.
57. Has this document been reviewed and/or have relevant experts been consulted? If so, indicate by
whom (including current professional position).
Dr Gary Taylor
Research Associate
Earth & Environmental Sciences
The University of Adelaide
Ph : +61 8 8303 8347
e-mail: Gary.Taylor@adelaide.edu.au