Pear Psylla vs New Zealand Yellow Admiral

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pear Psylla New Zealand Yellow Admiral
Scientific Name Cacopsylla pyri Vanessa itea
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Psyllidae Nymphalidae
Size 2-3 mm 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, Western North America Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Pear Psylla

A small winged psyllid that is the most important insect pest of European pear orchards. Nymphs produce copious honeydew that causes fruit russeting and sooty mold.

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Did You Know?

It can inject a toxin while feeding that causes a condition called psylla shock, which can kill young pear trees.

New Zealand Yellow Admiral

A native New Zealand butterfly closely related to the red admiral but featuring prominent yellow-orange patches on its wings. It is widespread across both islands and is a common garden visitor. Adults are strong fliers and may occasionally migrate.

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Did You Know?

Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.