The citrus leafhopper <i>Penthimiola bella</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), infesting avocado and citrus trees in Morocco

Abstract Surveys were conducted in avocado ( Persea americana ) and citrus ( Citrus spp.) orchards in north‐west Morocco between February 2023 and March 2025 to detect important pests. Moderate to high infestations of citrus leafhopper, Penthimiola bella (Stål) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), were found on avocado leaves at two sites. The insect was also found on citrus leaves at very low infestation levels at two sites; it did not occur on fruits in either crop. This is the first record of the citrus leafhopper in citrus orchards in Morocco. A morphological diagnosis of P. bella is provided, based on Moroccan specimens. Currently, P. bella is not causing economic damage to either avocado or citrus fruits in Morocco, but the presence of P. bella may constitute a potential threat to commercial citrus cultivation there.