Apple Psyllid
Cacopsylla mali
This record describes Cacopsylla mali (species). Recorded family: Psyllidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Young adults are yellow-green, becoming reddish in autumn.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Psyllidae
- Subfamily
- Psyllinae
- Genus
- Cacopsylla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic; adventive in North America and elsewhere (S. Africa, Australia)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Malus (apple)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cacopsylla mali (Schmidberger 1836)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cacopsylla mali. 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 Apple Psyllid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Mallory; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Psyllid
What is Apple Psyllid?
Apple Psyllid (Cacopsylla mali) is a species in the family Psyllidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Apple Psyllid?
3.5-4 mm
Where is Apple Psyllid found?
Range: native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic; adventive in North America and elsewhere (S. Africa, Australia)
What does Apple Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Apple Psyllid includes host: Malus (apple).