Cottony Alder Psyllid
Psylla floccosa
This record describes Psylla floccosa (species). Recorded family: Psyllidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
General color typically green to greenish-yellow; antennae usually 3 times as long as width of head; pterostigma absent or diminutive
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
Geographic Range
much of North America (excluding the southeast)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Alnus
Life History
Nymphs are found on the ventral surfaces of leaves where the produce an abundance of white flocculent wax ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psylla floccosa Patch, 1909
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Psylla floccosa. 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 Cottony Alder Psyllid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose , Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottony Alder Psyllid
What is Cottony Alder Psyllid?
Cottony Alder Psyllid (Psylla floccosa) is a species in the family Psyllidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cottony Alder Psyllid?
5-5.5mm
How do you identify Cottony Alder Psyllid?
General color typically green to greenish-yellow; antennae usually 3 times as long as width of head; pterostigma absent or diminutive
Where is Cottony Alder Psyllid found?
Range: much of North America (excluding the southeast)
What does Cottony Alder Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Cottony Alder Psyllid includes Alnus.
What is the life cycle of a Cottony Alder Psyllid?
Nymphs are found on the ventral surfaces of leaves where the produce an abundance of white flocculent wax ( 3 )