A highly detailed macro photograph showing two stages of the same insect species, Psylla carpinicola, on the surface of a vibrant green American hornbeam leaf. On the right is the freshly molted adult: a translucent, pale green insect with large, clear, veined wings folded roof-like over its back, and prominent white compound eyes. Its slender legs are lightly braced on the leaf surface. On the left is the discarded exoskeleton of its nymphal stage, which is much smaller and adorned with long, wispy, waxy filaments, giving it a fluffy appearance. The old skin remains intact, including the shape of the eyes and legs, and appears ghostlike. The new adult seems to face its molt directly, creating a striking and intimate moment of transition captured in fine detail.

Psylla carpinicola on American hornbeam, face-to-face with its former self.

#Psyllidae #psylloidea #Invertebrate #hemiptera 🪲🪳 #entomology 🌿

Extreme close-up macro photograph of a single Pachypsylla psyllid on a green hackberry leaf. The insect is a small, mottled brown and white adult with a patterned wing surface held roof-like over its body. Its head and compound eyes are visible in detail. The plant surface is densely covered in translucent, fine trichomes (plant hairs), making the bug appear even smaller and more delicate. Background is dark and out of focus, providing contrast to the bright green and brown subject.

Macro photo of three Pachypsylla psyllids clustered together on a densely hairy surface of a hackberry leaf. Each insect displays detailed features including large eyes, segmented antennae, and speckled wings. The trichomes of the leaf are prominent and appear enormous next to the tiny insects, emphasizing their miniature size. A few pale, oval-shaped eggs or debris are also visible near the insects. The dark background isolates the subjects and highlights their texture and scale.

Pachypsylla sp. on hackberry, likely P. celtidisvesicula. So small the hackberry’s trichomes look like giant hairs next to them. Some people prefer to call them Jumping Plant Lice. I think we should just call them JPL.

🌿🪲🪳 #Psyllidae #Invert #macrophotography #invertefest #psylloidea #entomology

Close-up dorsal view of a pinned psyllid insect, Arytaina genistae, mounted on a beige card. The insect has translucent, veined wings folded over its back, a brown patterned thorax, and visible antennae. Its overall color is a warm brown with subtle darker markings. The photo is sharply focused on the insect’s upper body and wings, capturing fine details of its texture and venation. Background is soft and neutral.

Side view of the same Arytaina genistae specimen, mounted on a rectangular beige card. The insect is shown in profile with one long antenna extended forward, and wings slightly lifted, revealing segmentation underneath. The head, compound eye, and detailed thoracic pattern are clearly visible. The lighting highlights the glossy transparency of the wings and the dusty surface of the mounting card. The neutral background allows the insect’s structure to stand out.

Arytaina genistae sticks to Cytisus (brooms). Psyllids are usually highly host specific. True host-plants support development from immature to adult. Others may just be shelter, food, or casual stops. Host switching is rare, and mostly near close plant relatives. 🌿
#Psyllidae #Invertebrate #bugsky