# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens and fields ![Psylloids](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cacopsylla_brunneipennis_2.JPG&width=800) Photo: Aiwok, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cacopsylla_brunneipennis_2.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Triozidae - **Genus:** Psylla ## 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 - **Super Leap:** Psylloids can launch themselves high with powerful hind legs because of strong muscles, helping them escape predators quickly. - **Sweet Secretions:** Psylloids produce sugary honeydew, a sticky liquid, that helps them excrete excess plant sap they consume. - **Nature's Disguise:** Many Psylloids have body colors matching their host plants, which helps them hide from hungry birds and other predators. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Psylloids are harmless, but it's best to look at them without touching. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Psylloids? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Psylloids: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/psylloids)