Blue Gum Psyllid
Ctenarytaina eucalypti
This record describes Ctenarytaina eucalypti (species). Recorded family: Aphalaridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Blue Gum Psyllid (Ctenarytaina eucalypti) is a species in the family Aphalaridae, belonging to the order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies). It is classified within the subfamily Spondyliaspidinae, suborder Sternorrhyncha, superfamily Psylloidea. This species belongs to the genus Ctenarytaina. Size: 3-3.5 mm.
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
- Ctenarytaina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Australia, adventive in many parts of the world; in our area, CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: eucalypts
Life History
Females lay eggs on leaf buds and in the axils of young leaves. The nymphs secrete large amounts of honeydew and white waxy secretions. There are multiple generations per year ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ctenarytaina eucalypti (Maskell 1890)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ctenarytaina eucalypti. 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 Blue Gum Psyllid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Gum Psyllid
What is Blue Gum Psyllid?
Blue Gum Psyllid (Ctenarytaina eucalypti) is a species in the family Aphalaridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Blue Gum Psyllid?
3-3.5 mm
Where is Blue Gum Psyllid found?
Range: native to Australia, adventive in many parts of the world; in our area, CA
What does Blue Gum Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Blue Gum Psyllid includes hosts: eucalypts.
What is the life cycle of a Blue Gum Psyllid?
Females lay eggs on leaf buds and in the axils of young leaves. The nymphs secrete large amounts of honeydew and white waxy secretions. There are multiple generations per year ( 3 )