Trioza urticae

Trioza urticae

Description

Length 3 to 3.5 mm. This psyllid bug or jumping plant louse is a reasonably distinctive species in a large and difficult genus. Distinguishing features include the relatively rounded (for Trioza) forewings with long outer vein, which together with its occurrence on nettles, make it reasonably easy to identify, although colouration is quite variable. The three main veins arise from a single point, which is the thing that distinguishes Triozidae. Early instar nymphs are pale, but the later stages have a distinctive black patterning. 

It causes galls on nettle; the young leaves are curled up and darker green, with the flat psyllids in a small depression beneath.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Anywhere that nettles are present. This is the only UK nettle-feeding psyllid.

When to see it

All year round. 

Life History

Nymphs cause galls on nettle leaves. The adults overwinter, and there can be as many as four generations in the UK per year.

UK Status

Widespread and common in Britain.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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

All NatureSpot records