Dwarf Birch Psyllid
Psylla betulaenanae
This record describes Psylla betulaenanae (species). Recorded family: Psyllidae. 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
- Psyllidae
- Subfamily
- Psyllinae
- Genus
- Psylla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Arctic/subarctic, common on its hostplant throughout Alaska except the northern part of the arctic slope
Geographic Range
Circumpolar; in our area, Alaska
Seasonal Activity
Larvae have been found June-August, adults July-September (Ossiannilsson 1992)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Betula nana
Life History
Larvae develop on shoots of young leaves, surrounded by copious white wax (Ossiannilsson 1992)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psylla betulaenanae Ossiannilsson, 1970
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Psylla betulaenanae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dwarf Birch Psyllid
How big is Dwarf Birch Psyllid?
2.75-3.75mm (Ossiannilsson 1970)
Where is Dwarf Birch Psyllid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arctic/subarctic, common on its hostplant throughout Alaska except the northern part of the arctic slope |
| Range | Circumpolar; in our area, Alaska |
What does Dwarf Birch Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Dwarf Birch Psyllid includes Betula nana.
When is Dwarf Birch Psyllid active?
Dwarf Birch Psyllid: seasonal activity - Larvae have been found June-August, adults July-September (Ossiannilsson 1992).
What is the life cycle of a Dwarf Birch Psyllid?
Larvae develop on shoots of young leaves, surrounded by copious white wax (Ossiannilsson 1992)