Psylloidea

Definition

A superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) comprising the jumping plant lice and related groups, characterized by small, often colorful adults with enlarged hind femora that enable jumping, and nymphs that typically produce waxy secretions and may induce plant galls or psyllid lerps. The group includes approximately 3,000 described species in families such as Psyllidae, Triozidae, and Aphalaridae, many of which are economically significant as pests of citrus, potatoes, and other crops.

Etymology

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

Example

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, family Liviidae), a member of Psylloidea, vectors the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causative agent of citrus greening disease (huanglongbing), one of the most destructive citrus diseases worldwide.

Synonyms

• psyllids (informal, referring to members)
• jumping plant lice (common name)

Related Terms

• Sternorrhyncha
• Hemiptera
• Aphidoidea
• Coccoidea
• psyllid lerp
• gall induction
• Vector
• Diaphorina citri

Usage Notes

Psylloidea is treated as a superfamily within Sternorrhyncha, though family-level classification has been unstable; several groups formerly placed in Psyllidae have been elevated to family rank (e.g., Aphalaridae, Triozidae). The extinct family †Liadopsyllidae represents Mesozoic stem-group diversity, though its monophyly and exact placement remain uncertain. In applied contexts, 'psyllid' often refers specifically to pest species in Psyllidae sensu stricto rather than the entire superfamily.