Rose Gum Psyllid
Ctenarytaina spatulata
This record describes Ctenarytaina spatulata (species). Recorded family: Aphalaridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Veins Rs, M, and Cu1a straight, more or less parallel to each other; head and pronotum yellowish. First recorded from California in 1991. While common, it is not considered to be as injurious to its hosts as other Eucalyptus psyllids established in the state ( 3 )
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; in our area, California (introduced)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Eucalyptus
Life History
Adults are mainly found on leaves and new apical shoots; females lay their eggs on the newly growing leaf axils. The nymphs develop on the young shoots, secreting copious amounts of honeydew; excessive feeding may result in leaf curling. There are multiple generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ctenarytaina spatulata Taylor, 1997
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ctenarytaina spatulata. 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 Rose Gum Psyllid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Gum Psyllid
What is Rose Gum Psyllid?
Rose Gum Psyllid (Ctenarytaina spatulata) is a species in the family Aphalaridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Rose Gum Psyllid?
Veins Rs, M, and Cu1a straight, more or less parallel to each other; head and pronotum yellowish.
Where is Rose Gum Psyllid found?
Range: Native to Australia; in our area, California (introduced)
What does Rose Gum Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Rose Gum Psyllid includes host: Eucalyptus.
What is the life cycle of a Rose Gum Psyllid?
Adults are mainly found on leaves and new apical shoots; females lay their eggs on the newly growing leaf axils. The nymphs develop on the young shoots, secreting copious amounts of honeydew; excessive feeding may result in leaf curling. There are multiple generations per year