Another insect feeding on Eucalyptus species was recently detected by Prof. Stefan Neser in Pretoria. The identity of this insect must still be confirmed, but it is expected to be in the genus Spondyliaspis (shell lerp psyllids). As with the red gum lerp pysllid (Glycaspis brimblecombeii), detected in South Africa in 2012, this pysllid is a sap-sucking insect where the nymphs are covered by a protective casing called a lerp. In the case of Spondyliaspis the lerp has the appearance of a shell, hence the common name. 

 

A one page photo plate of the insect and its symptoms is attached. Please distribute this to those working in the field and report any infestations of this insect to Dr Jeff Garnas (jeff.garnas@up.ac.za) OR Dr Brett Hurley (brett.hurley@up.ac.za). Early detection of this psyllid in new areas will greatly assist in assessing its pest status and informing management strategies.

 

Confirmation on the identity of this potential new pest, as well as information on its biology and host species will be provided as it becomes available