Lerp-psyllid
Guides
Psyllaephagus bliteus
Red gum lerp psyllid parasitoid
Psyllaephagus bliteus is an internal nymphal parasitoid in the family Encyrtidae, native to Australia and widely introduced as a classical biological control agent against the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei, a major pest of Eucalyptus plantations. The species has been established in California, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Portugal, and Uganda. Females become sexually receptive at 48 hours post-emergence, with males initiating courtship through antennal contact and thorax-abdomen tapping. Development is delayed until the host reaches the fifth instar, with a pupal period of approximately 12.6 days at 26°C. The pupa is protected by three distinct layers: a thickened lerp basal wall, host mummification, and a melanized pupal sheath.