Bay Sucker
Trioza alacris
This record describes Trioza alacris (species). Recorded family: Triozidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult length 3.5 to 4 mm. Lauritrioza alacris has long, sharply pointed wings, the outermost vein is short and curved, and only the last two antennal segments are dark. Its colouring varies dramatically with age, the dorsal surfaces darkening to black, with slightly paler longitudinal and transverse lines. The pink-yellow nymphs form leaf-roll galls on Bay leaves, in which they produce thick waxy secretions. The galls are seen more often than the adults. Found on Bay trees - no other psyllid is likely to be found on Bay. This long-introduced species is naturalised on Bay ( Laurus nobilis ) across at least England, and can be very abundant.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on Bay trees - no other psyllid is likely to be found on Bay.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This long-introduced species is naturalised on Bay (
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Trioza alacris. 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 Bay Sucker (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Sucker
What is Bay Sucker?
Bay Sucker (Trioza alacris) is a species in the family Triozidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Bay Sucker?
3.5 to 4 mm.
Where is Bay Sucker found?
Habitat: Found on Bay trees - no other psyllid is likely to be found on Bay.
When is Bay Sucker active?
Bay Sucker: seasonal activity - Adult: all year..