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

A close-up view of an adult Psylla carpinicola perched on textured, moss-flecked bark. The insect is tiny, delicate, and vibrant green, with finely veined, glass-like wings folded neatly over its back. Its large white eyes stand out, giving it a slightly surprised expression. The body is narrow and streamlined, and two long, thin antennae extend forward, tipped with tiny hairs. The bark surface beneath it is uneven, blending patches of green moss and pale gray stone, giving a sense of the insect's small size and habitat.

A very small Psylla carpinicola nymph clings to a green plant stem, surrounded by tufts of white, silky wax filaments that it has produced. The nymph’s translucent green body is partially hidden by the delicate, fluffy wax structures, which drift slightly in the air. Only part of its head and antennae are clearly visible, peeking from behind the wax. The background is a rich, blurred green, emphasizing the soft textures and minute details of the nymph and its protective wax coating.

Two Psylla carpinicola nymphs resting along a green, hairy stem. Both are cloaked in long, cottony wax filaments that swirl and bunch around them like clouds. Their pale green bodies are tucked close to the stem, blending in with the foliage. One nymph is facing the camera more directly, while the second nymph is partially turned away. The stem itself is covered in tiny, translucent hairs, adding another layer of texture. The background is a deep black, sharply contrasting the vibrant greens and soft whites of the insects and plant.

A side view of a Psylla carpinicola nymph resting on the edge of a vibrant green leaf. The nymph’s pale green, semi-transparent body is detailed with fine segmentation. Its small, developing wings are tucked close to its body. A mass of white, fuzzy wax filaments erupts from its rear, trailing like a soft plume behind it. The leaf’s textured veins and slightly curled edges create a natural cradle for the tiny insect. The background fades into a soft blur of green, giving an intimate and peaceful view of the psyllid in its natural setting.

Psylla carpinicola on American hornbeam. #Psyllids are normally hard to ID, but this one is easy since it is the only one known to use this plant. #Psylloidea feed and reproduce on very narrow hosts. Co-evolved and dependent, but some become devastating pests. 🌿 #bugsky #虫 #inverteFest #entomology

Scanning electron micrograph of a whitefly puparium (Aleyrodidae) viewed from above. The body is flattened and oval, with a fringe of fine, curling wax filaments. Three elliptical eggs with longitudinal slits are nearby. The plant surface shows textured epidermis and stomata.

Scanning electron micrograph of the adult psyllid Ctenarytaina peregrina, in lateral view. The insect has a compact, streamlined form with densely textured wings, prominent antennae, and bent legs held under its body. The background is smooth and dark.

Sternorryncha as a group show a fascinating set of shared traits: flattened, plant feeding forms with defensive wax. Whitefly puparia are immobile and fused to the plant. Psyllids retain mobility but share traits like wax production for defense. #entomology #Hemiptera 🧪 #Aleyrodidae #Psylloidea