Jumping Plant Lice
Psyllidae
Sap-Sucking Insects Low Risk 2-5 mm
📖 Description
Jumping plant lice, or psyllids, are small sap-sucking insects in the family Psyllidae, closely related to aphids and whiteflies. They are highly host-specific, with most species feeding on only one or a few related plant species. Some psyllids are serious agricultural pests — most notably the Asian citrus psyllid, which vectors the bacterium responsible for citrus greening disease, one of the most devastating citrus diseases worldwide. Their nymphs often produce distinctive protective covers called lerps, made from crystallized honeydew, which are a telltale sign of infestation.
⚠️ Symptoms to watch for
- Small yellow or red spots on leaves from feeding punctures,White crystalline lerp structures on leaf surfaces,Curling and distortion of new foliage,Honeydew and sooty mold on leaves below,Premature leaf drop and twig dieback
🩹 Treatment
- Spray with insecticidal soap targeting nymphs and adults (organic),Apply neem oil to disrupt feeding and development (organic),Use spinosad-based sprays for moderate infestations (chemical),Apply systemic imidacloprid for severe infestations (chemical)
🌿 Organic treatments
- Spray with insecticidal soap targeting nymphs and adults,Apply neem oil to disrupt feeding and development
🧪 Chemical treatments
- Use spinosad-based sprays for moderate infestations,Apply systemic imidacloprid for severe infestations
🛡️ Prevention
- Monitor new growth in spring for early detection of nymphs and lerps,Encourage parasitic wasps by planting nectar-rich flowers,Remove and destroy infested leaves and branches promptly,Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that promotes soft new growth
🪴 Affected plants
- Eucalyptus,Citrus,Pear,Boxwood
🦋 Natural predators
- Lady Beetles,Lacewings,Parasitic Wasps,Spiders
🌱 Host plants
- Eucalyptus spp.,Pyrus communis,Buxus sempervirens,Citrus spp.
🔄 Lifecycle
- Psyllids typically undergo one to three generations per year depending on species and climate.
- They overwinter as eggs or adults on host plants.
- In spring, nymphs emerge and feed on new growth, passing through five instars before becoming winged adults.
- Adults mate and lay eggs on young leaves or buds, and some species diapause during unfavorable seasons.
- Dispersal is primarily by flying adults or windborne movement.
📅 Season
- Spring to Fall
🔎 Appearance
- Jumping plant lice, or psyllids, are tiny insects resembling miniature cicadas with transparent wings held roof-like over the body at rest.
- They have large, prominent compound eyes and strong hind legs adapted for jumping, which is their primary means of escape when disturbed.
- Many species are greenish or brownish, blending with their host plants, and some secrete white, waxy filaments or lerp structures that encase their nymphs.
- Nymphs are flattened and often surrounded by conspicuous white wax or honeydew.
💥 Damage level
- Low
🔁 Reproduction rate
- Moderate
🗺️ Geographic regions
- North America
- Europe
- Australia
- South America
Have an Insect to Identify?
Upload or take a photo of an insect on your plant and our AI will identify it and recommend treatments.
📷 Diagnose from Image