Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
54
Family
SPONDYLIASPIDAE
A family of psyllids indigenous to Australia; one species
has been introduced into Europe on imported
Eucalyptus
.
Ctenarytaina eucalypti
(Maskell) (
54-55
)
Eucalyptus sucker
Established on
Eucalyptus
in various parts of mainland
Europe, southern England and the Channel Islands, and
often a pest in nurseries.
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
fore wings 1.3-1.9 mm long; body mainly dark
brown, with the thorax partly orange; fore wings
whitish, with yellow veins and a waxy bloom; legs light
brown.
Egg:
shiny, pale yellow and pear-shaped.
Nymph:
greyish yellow or orange-brown to blackish;
first instar orange.
54
Eucalyptus sucker (
Ctenarytaina eucalypti
).
55
LIFE HISTORY
The relatively small, robust-bodied adults overwinter on
host plants, and deposit their first eggs in clusters on the
young growth from February onwards. These eggs
hatch in the early spring. Colonies then become
established on the young, tender growth, the nymphs
producing honeydew and curly strands of whitish wax
that are often blown about by the wind. There are two or
more overlapping generations annually, but breeding
may be continuous on plants growing in protected
conditions, all stages of the pest often then occurring
together.
55
Nymphs of eucalyptus sucker (
Ctenarytaina eucalypti
).
DAMAGE
Infestations spoil the appearance of plants,
contaminating the new growth with masses of
honeydew amongst which the cast nymphal skins
accumulate. The shoots also become disfigured by loose
masses of waxen 'wool'. Feeding does not distort
growth but heavy attacks retard the growth of nursery
plants.
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