Trioza urticae
This record describes Trioza urticae (species). Recorded family: Triozidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 3.5 mm. This psyllid bug or jumping plant louse is a reasonably distinctive species in a large and difficult genus. Distinguishing features include the relatively rounded (for Trioza) forewings with long outer vein, which together with its occurrence on nettles, make it reasonably easy to identify, although colouration is quite variable. The three main veins arise from a single point, which is the thing that distinguishes Triozidae. Early instar nymphs are pale, but the later stages have a distinctive black patterning. It causes galls on nettle; the young leaves are curled up and darker green, with the flat psyllids in a small depression beneath. Anywhere that nettles are present. This is the only UK nettle-feeding psyllid. Nymphs cause galls on nettle leaves. The adults overwinter, and there can be as many as four generations in the UK per year. British Bugs: https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/homoptera/Psylloidea/Trioza_urticae.html
Wikipedia reference for Trioza urticae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trioza_urticae.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that nettles are present. This is the only UK nettle-feeding psyllid.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nymphs cause galls on nettle leaves. The adults overwinter, and there can be as many as four generations in the UK per year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Trioza urticae. 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 Trioza urticae (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trioza urticae
What is Trioza urticae?
Trioza urticae is a species in the family Triozidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Trioza urticae?
3 to 3.5 mm. This psyllid bug or jumping plant louse is a reasonably distinctive species in a large and difficult genus. Distinguishing features include the relatively rounded (for
Where is Trioza urticae found?
Habitat: Anywhere that nettles are present. This is the only UK nettle-feeding psyllid.
When is Trioza urticae active?
Trioza urticae: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Trioza urticae?
Nymphs cause galls on nettle leaves. The adults overwinter, and there can be as many as four generations in the UK per year.