Psyllids

Boxwood and pear psyllids are the two most common psyllids, although there are over 3000 species of psyllids, including the potato or tomato psyllids.

Psyllids can be found throughout the world and live mostly on woody plants and certain fruit trees and vegetable crops, including pears, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

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Facts

Description | Reproduction | Habitat

So... What Are Psyllids?

Psyllids are very small, approximately 1/10" in length, and are black or green in color with transparent wings folded over their little bodies.

They resemble minute cicadas or leafhoppers. Called "jumping plant lice," they have strong legs, which allow them to jump to a leaf or branch, since they are not good fliers.

Boxwood and pear psyllids are the two most common psyllids, although there are over 3000 species of psyllids, including the potato or tomato psyllids.

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Reproduction Patterns of Psyllids

Female psyllids lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.

Adult psyllid

The eggs hatch within two weeks and the nymphs go through 5 stages of development known as instars before they evolve into adults with wings.

This development process takes between 2-3 weeks to complete.

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Psyllid's Habitat

Psyllids can be found throughout the world and live mostly on woody plants and certain fruit trees and vegetable crops, including pears, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

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Images courtesy of Oklahoma State University and Forestry.
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