Eucalyptus Psyllid vs Gumtree Shield Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eucalyptus Psyllid Gumtree Shield Bug
Scientific Name Blastopsylla occidentalis Poecilometis strigatus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aphalaridae Pentatomidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Australia, Africa, South America, Europe Australia, Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Eucalyptus Psyllid

An Australian psyllid that has become invasive in eucalyptus plantations worldwide. Nymphs produce distinctive white lerps on leaves.

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Did You Know?

It spread to every continent where eucalyptus is planted within just two decades.

Gumtree Shield Bug

A large shield bug commonly found on eucalyptus trees across Australia. It has a distinctive brown and cream patterned body with a broad, shield-shaped pronotum.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it releases a powerful stink from thoracic glands that can linger on human skin for hours.