Box Sucker
ExploreInsects
Box Sucker
Psylla buxi
The Box Sucker is a tiny insect that loves to munch on boxwood plants. They are small and can be found hopping around on leaves, making them fun to spot in gardens.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Box Sucker is a tiny, greenish-yellow insect, somewhat flattened with clear, veined wings held roof-like over its body. It has short, stout antennae and resembles a miniature cicada or leafhopper, visually distinct from flies or moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyPsyllidaeGenusPsylla
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby Box Suckers make a fluffy white 'wax house' around themselves!
Box Suckers produce sticky 'honeydew' that ants absolutely love to eat!
They look like tiny cicadas, small enough to easily fit on your pinky nail!
When many Box Suckers feed, they can make boxwood leaves curl like spoons!
Special abilities
Ability
Sap Siphon
Box Sucker can drink plant sap using a special straw-like mouthpart that helps them get nutrients directly from boxwood leaves.
Ability
Springboard Leap
Box Sucker can quickly jump surprising distances for its size, which helps them escape from predators or move between leaves.
Ability
Waxy Cloak Craft
Box Sucker nymphs can produce white, waxy strands that help them hide and protect their soft bodies from danger.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-6 mm
- Size
- 2-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 0.1-0.5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 20-200
Diet & Feeding
These tiny insects drink the nutritious sap from boxwood plants using a special straw-like mouthpart.
Primary Foods
- Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) sap
- Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) sap
- Boxwood (Buxus sinica) sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens
Box Suckers feed exclusively on its sap.
eaten by
Seven-spotted Ladybug
Coccinella septempunctata
Ladybug larvae and adults prey on Box Suckers.
symbiotic with
Black Garden Ant
Lasius niger
Ants tend Box Suckers for their sweet honeydew.
parasitizes
Boxwood Psyllid Parasitoid Wasp
Psyllaephagus procerus
Female wasps lay eggs inside Box Sucker nymphs.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Box Sucker's wingspan?
4-6 mm
How big is Box Sucker?
2-3 mm
How long does Box Sucker live?
30-90 days
How fast can Box Sucker fly?
0.1-0.5 km/h
What does Box Sucker eat?
These tiny insects drink the nutritious sap from boxwood plants using a special straw-like mouthpart.
Where is Box Sucker usually found?
Urban areas
How does Box Sucker hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Box Sucker have?
6
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