Aphalaridae

Definition

A family of minute, sap-sucking hemipteran insects in the superfamily Psylloidea, commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. Aphalarids are typically highly host-specific, feeding on vascular plant phloem, and are distributed worldwide. The family was established in 1879 by Austrian entomologist Franz Löw.

Etymology

From the type genus Aphalarus (Greek aphalos 'unsteady, wavering' + -idae family suffix), established by Löw in 1879.

Example

The eucalyptus psyllid Ctenarytaina eucalypti, an invasive aphalarid in California, causes leaf distortion and sooty mold growth on Eucalyptus plantations.

Related Terms

• Psylloidea
• Psyllidae
• Triozidae
• Hemiptera
• phloem feeding
• host specificity
• Jumping plant lice

Usage Notes

Aphalaridae is one of several families historically grouped as 'psyllids' or 'jumping plant lice'; modern phylogenetic work has refined its boundaries relative to Psyllidae and Triozidae. Many aphalarids are economically significant as crop pests or as targets of biological control programs.