Psyllopsis fraxini

Psyllopsis fraxini

Description

The adult males are found on Ash, and can be identifed to species by examination of external genitalia (terminalia) - see RES guide to Psylloidea.

The psyllid produces galls on ash leaves.  The leaf edges are loosely rolled, usually downwards, swollen and pale in colour with purplish markings.   Inside is white wax and pale green nymphs with darker markings when mature.   The galls cannot be assigned to a species, but should be recorded as Psyllopsis fraxini agg.  Sometimes nymphs of Psyllopsis fraxinicola are inside the galls; these are inquilines and are pale green all over. 

Similar Species

Psyllopsis distinguenda and Psyllopsis discrepans are also found on Ash.  The adults also have dark markings on wings, but the intensity of the markings may vary, and for safe ID the male terminalia should be examined.  P fraxinicola adults do not have dark wing markings. 

The barkfly Graphopsocus cruciatus is superficially similar. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photographs of adult insects and details of male terminalia.  We recommend you retain the specimen in case expert verification is needed.

Habitat

Ash trees

UK Status

Common

VC55 Status

Status unknown. The galls caused by the species aggregate are very common in some years, but adults are rarely recorded to species.

Further Information

British Bugs webpage

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records