Psyllidae

Definition

A family of small, plant-feeding true bugs (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) commonly called jumping plant lice or psyllids. Adults and nymphs possess piercing-sucking mouthparts and typically exhibit strong host specificity, with many species restricted to a single plant species (monophagy) or closely related plants (oligophagy). Members are characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, short antennae, and often hold their wings roof-like over the body when at rest. The family has undergone recent taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies now elevated to family rank, leaving Psyllidae sensu stricto with over 70 genera.

Etymology

From Psylla (type genus, from Greek psylla 'flea') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Psyllidae: Diaphorininae), vectors the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causative agent of citrus greening disease (huanglongbing), making it one of the most economically significant psyllid pests worldwide.

Synonyms

• jumping plant lice (common name)
• psyllids (common name)

Related Terms

• Sternorrhyncha
• Hemiptera
• Psylloidea
• Aphididae
• Coccoidea
• Aleyrodidae
• monophagy
• oligophagy
• phloem feeding

Usage Notes

Historically treated as the single family encompassing all psyllids, but modern classifications (particularly based on Burckhardt & Ouvrard systems) have split the group into seven families: Aphalaridae, Carsidaridae, Homotomidae, Liviidae, Myrtaceae-feeding psyllids (Myrtaceitae), Triozidae, and the restricted Psyllidae. When encountered in older literature, 'Psyllidae' often refers to the entire superfamily Psylloidea. The family is distinguished from related Sternorrhyncha by the combination of jumping hind legs, tarsal arolium structure, and nymphal habitat (often in sheltered locations such as galls or leaf curls rather than exposed).