Page 62 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Potato Psyllid Pear Psyllid Eggs

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Cottony Alder Psyllid Common Willow Psyllid

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- elongate, hair like 6.Thorax- yes PSYLLID
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none
3.Head- has stylet 8.Abdomen-large and rounded 2
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- black to green
5.Wings- clear, w/long thick veins 10.Other-resemble cicadas

Life Cycle 5
Females lay tiny eggs on succulent leaves and young shoots in scattered groups. The
eggs that hatch develop through about five wingless nymphal stages before becoming Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
winged adults. Nymphs will enlarge their lerp as they grow, or they move and form a
new covering. The nymphs spend most of their time covered beneath the lerp. Adults
live on the foliage, not under lerp covers. All life stages can be present throughout
the year, although in lower numbers during the winter. Development time from egg to
adult varies from several weeks during warm weather to several months during the cool
season. Several generations can form each year.

Psyllids have the same size and shape as aphids, but with a shorter antenna. They also lack the
cornicles that protrude from the rear of the aphid. They can be up to 1/8th inch in size, and nymphs
may resemble a scale insect. They range in color from light green to brown. Also unlike aphids, they
are active hoppers and are sometimes called plant lice. Psyllids are a serious plant pest, feeding on the
plant’s juices.

The Pepper Tree Psyllid attacks the leaves on pepper trees, deforming young leaves and causing
depressions on older leaves, which leads to premature leaf drop. The Redgum Lerp Psyllid attacks
eucalyptus trees, leading to the death of the tree. It has been a serious pest in recent years, forming a
protective covering of wax and honeydew called a “lerp.” The Bluegum Psyllid also attacks eucalyptus.
The Eugenia Psyllid attacks the leaves of shrubs, also deforming leaves and causing them to drop.
Acacia Psyllids occur on the leaves, terminal shoots, and flower buds of many Acacia trees. Most
plants will tolerate extensive psyllid feeding, but some infestations will kill the host.

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