Psyllid Facts & Information

What do psyllids look like?

Psyllids, also known as jumping plant lice, are small insects resembling miniature cicadas. They are usually about 1/10 to 1/5 inch in length and have a robust, pear-shaped body with clear or slightly tinted wings. They can be green, yellow, brown, or gray.

What do psyllids eat?

Psyllids feed on plant sap. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from the leaves, stems, and young shoots of their host plants. Different species of psyllids are host-specific and may feed on a variety of plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

What sort of habitat do psyllids live in?

Psyllids are found in a variety of habitats, depending on their host plants. They can be found in gardens, orchards, forests, and nurseries. They are commonly associated with specific plant species, which they rely on for feeding and reproduction.

How do psyllids commonly behave?

Psyllids are known for their jumping ability, similar to that of fleas. They are typically active during the warmer months and can reproduce rapidly, leading to large populations. They lay eggs on their host plants, and the nymphs feed on the sap, often causing damage to the plant.

Did you know this about psyllids?

Psyllids can be significant agricultural pests, causing damage to crops and ornamental plants by feeding on sap and transmitting plant pathogens. One well-known example is the Asian citrus psyllid, which transmits the bacterium causing citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), a serious threat to citrus production worldwide. Additionally, psyllids excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold on plants.