A first-in-nation insect was encountered in a commercial shipment of leafy greens at the Area Port of Nogales, Arizona this month.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the Area Port of Nogales, discovered and quarantined what is known to be “a significant agricultural pest” on May 8.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the interception at the Mariposa Commercial Facility occurred while specialists were conducting the inspection of a commercial shipment of leafy greens. A thorough inspection of the shipment led to the discovery of a unique insect, later identified as Polyamia arachnion Kramer (Cicadellidae), a type of leafhopper.
Leafhoppers are known to damage plants through their feeding habits and are vectors for plant diseases.
This is only the second time in 69 years that this species has been collected and identified with both specimens originating from central Mexico.
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