Eucalyptus Psyllid
Blastopsylla occidentalis
This record describes Blastopsylla occidentalis (species). Recorded family: Aphalaridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Aphalaridae
- Subfamily
- Spondyliaspidinae
- Genus
- Blastopsylla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Australia; introduced in CA, FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Eucalyptus
Life History
Females lay eggs on the shoots, leaf axils, small branches and young leaves. Nymphs secrete copious amounts of honeydew and white wax flocculence .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Blastopsylla occidentalis Taylor, 1985
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Blastopsylla occidentalis. 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 Eucalyptus Psyllid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Mallory; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eucalyptus Psyllid
Where is Eucalyptus Psyllid found?
Range: Australia; introduced in CA, FL
What does Eucalyptus Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Eucalyptus Psyllid includes host: Eucalyptus.
What is the life cycle of a Eucalyptus Psyllid?
Females lay eggs on the shoots, leaf axils, small branches and young leaves. Nymphs secrete copious amounts of honeydew and white wax flocculence .