Leafhopper nymph? - Eucalyptolyma maideni

Eucalyptolyma maideni (Spotte

Eucalyptolyma maideni (Spotted Gum Lerp Psyllid) nymph. Probably late instar ready to become an adult, since it has left it's lerp.

… Dennis Haines, 28 February, 2009 - 5:17pm

Thanks Dennis!

Dennis, I can't thank you enough for solving this mystery. Looks like a new species for Bugguide!

… Chris Mallory, 28 February, 2009 - 5:23pm

The species has become widely

The species has become widely established in Southern California.

… Dennis Haines, 28 February, 2009 - 5:25pm

Interesting ID

Thanks to Dennis for solving this mystery! And "way to go" Chris for not only documenting a new species for the Guide, but capturing all three phases of the life cycle. Impressive!

If any editor happens to see this comment as they are making a new Guide Page for this species, a good reference to add to the info page would be this comprehensive PDF published by the LA County Agricultural Commission.

… Harsi S. Parker, 28 February, 2009 - 5:35pm

Couldn't find much about the Family

A few notes that gave Psyllidae. So we put it there. It can always be moved if someone finds more details about family.

… john and jane balaban, 28 February, 2009 - 6:07pm

Tree ID

It looks like a Eucalyptus. I wonder if this might be the infamous Red Gum Lerp Psyllid? Of course, the obvious question would be: Where's the lerp? Not that I know what Red Gum Lerp Psyllids or their lerps look like...

… Chuck Entz, 27 February, 2009 - 11:01pm

The Red Gum Lerp Psyllid's le

The Red Gum Lerp Psyllid's lerp is shaped like a little igloo.

… Dennis Haines, 28 February, 2009 - 5:19pm

Hmmm...

...I also thought that the tree looked like a Eucalyptus and I think Chuck may be onto something. Check out this page on the UC IPM website. While their image of a Red Gum nymph does not really match-up with this image, check out the picture of the adult -- I think this might be a possible match for your other image in ID Request. Do you have any dorsal views of the adult for comparison?

… Harsi S. Parker, 27 February, 2009 - 11:40pm

Psyllid

After reviewing these images, it appears that Psyllids make a much better match for these images than do leafhoppers which I originally thought. Sadly, though, I wasn't able to get a clear dorsal shot of the adult, however I do plan on returning to this spot soon and considering how numerous these things were yesterday, I expect to be able to find another one fairly easily. When I do get a clear dorsal shot, I'll be sure to post it here.

As for the lerp, I don't recall anything like that on the leaves. There was, however, many of these structures on just about every leaf on the tree, though I don't know of these can be tied to the psyllids at all. I'm just trying to put all the pieces together.

… Chris Mallory, 28 February, 2009 - 12:24pm

Very

pretty and neat!

… Jonathan Burishkin, 27 February, 2009 - 10:15pm

Wonder if these might

be Psyllids, in the guide here

… john and jane balaban, 27 February, 2009 - 9:16pm