Potato Psyllid
Bactericera cockerelli
This record describes Bactericera cockerelli (species). Recorded family: Triozidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Known to cause a disease-like symptom in tomato and potato called psyllid yellows. It is not a disease per se but rather a response in the plant to the insect's saliva that causes the plants to be stunted, yellowed and unproductive. If the psyllid nymphs are removed from the plant, the plant will recover nicely. --Ray Gill, pers. comm. to =v=, 17.iii.2014
Wikipedia reference for Bactericera cockerelli: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bactericera_cockerelli.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to c. & w. US (MN-TX to WA-AZ), adventive in CA & Baja
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Various Solanaceae including potato, eggplant, and tomato
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc, 1909)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Bactericera cockerelli. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Potato Psyllid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by v belov , Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Psyllid
What is Potato Psyllid?
Potato Psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) is a species in the family Triozidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Potato Psyllid found?
Range: native to c. & w. US (MN-TX to WA-AZ), adventive in CA & Baja
What does Potato Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Potato Psyllid includes Various Solanaceae including potato, eggplant, and tomato.