It's psyllid time



We have plenty of Red Valerian in the garden, a plant I like due to its ability to attract insects. I had noticed that a clump, by our front steps, was exhibiting a rose-coloured gall along some leaf edges, so investigated further. It is a fairly straightforward identification apparently - it is caused by Trioza centranthi (a species of Psyllid).


When looking at the above image on the computer, I noticed that there was an insect on the leaf that I had photographed. The resulting magnified crop is below. Could it be? Well, identifying the adults is meant to be tricky, way beyond my skill-set, but looking at images of adults on-line, this looks like a good match. Its presence on the food plant must count for something, if nothing more than a strong suggestion that this is, indeed, an adult Trioza centranthi. An enjoyable lockdown interlude.

Comments

Gibster said…
Good hit! I've never seen this away from the south coast, I had no idea they were as far inland as you are. There's a similar sort of thing on Bay leaves too, if you have one in the neighbourhood?
12 January 2021 at 18:51
Skev said…
It's here in VC55, so must be spreading North.
12 January 2021 at 20:26
Dave Boyle said…
There's also something very similar on Matipo, Myrsine chathamica - I was wondering what it was, I'll have a look in to psyllids!
13 January 2021 at 08:25
Steve Gale said…
Thanks all for your comments - it’s heartening that a post o out psyllids can get any response at all!
13 January 2021 at 09:38
Gibster said…
Far more interesting than birds, buddy. I fully expect to see a post about your slippers next, a la Jono style....
13 January 2021 at 13:39
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