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Psylloids

Psylloidea

Psylloids, also known as jumping plant lice, are tiny insects that love to hop around on plants. They can be found in many gardens and fields, where they feed on plant sap.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Psylloids is a tiny insect with a stout body, often green, yellow, or brown, blending with plants. It has two pairs of clear, membranous wings usually held roof-like over its back, and prominent eyes. They are distinct from aphids by their strong jumping legs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyTriozidaeGenusPsylla
Psylloids
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Psylloids

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby psyllids, called nymphs, have tiny wing buds and look very different from adults!

Many psyllids produce a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew that ants love!

Some psyllid species can make plants grow strange, bumpy homes called galls!

Sometimes, a whole plant leaf can become covered in the waxy fluff made by psyllids!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Leap

Psylloids can launch themselves high with powerful hind legs because of strong muscles, helping them escape predators quickly.

Ability

Sweet Secretions

Psylloids produce sugary honeydew, a sticky liquid, that helps them excrete excess plant sap they consume.

Ability

Nature's Disguise

Many Psylloids have body colors matching their host plants, which helps them hide from hungry birds and other predators.

Ability

Sap Siphon

Psylloids have specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts that help them feed directly on the nutritious sap inside plant tissues.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
4-10 mm
Size
2-5 mm
Lifespan
30-120 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Tiny sap-suckers that drink sugary juice from plant leaves and stems.

Primary Foods

  • Plant sap
  • Citrus tree sap
  • Eucalyptus sap
  • Pear tree sap
  • Apple tree sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Sweet Orange

Citrus sinensis

Psyllids feed on the sap of citrus trees, often causing damage.

eats

Convergent Lady Beetle

Hippodamia convergens

Lady beetle larvae and adults prey on psyllid nymphs, helping control populations.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds like the Great Tit consume psyllids as part of their insect diet.

parasitizes

Asian Citrus Psyllid Parasitoid

Tamarixia radiata

This tiny wasp lays eggs inside psyllid nymphs, killing them.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Psylloids are harmless, but it's best to look at them without touching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psylloids's wingspan?

4-10 mm

How big is Psylloids?

2-5 mm

How long does Psylloids live?

30-120 days

What does Psylloids eat?

Tiny sap-suckers that drink sugary juice from plant leaves and stems.

Where is Psylloids usually found?

Gardens and fields

How does Psylloids hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Psylloids have?

6

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