Gumtree hoppers
Gumtree hoppers on twigs of a Eucalyptus grandis hybrid
© NSW DPI
Large aggregation of gumtree hopper nymphs and adults on a stem of a Eucalyptus grandis hybrid, with honeydew and ants
© Queensland Government
Gumtree hoppers are small (under 15mm), winged and tent-shaped or triangular – they resemble small cicadas. These sap-sucking insects feed on the leaves, twigs and branches of eucalypts, although damage to the tree is not always obvious. Symptoms include wilting, distorted leaf growth and, in severe infestations, dieback. Honeydew and sooty mould are found with infestations of some species.
Adults and nymphs occur in colonies at the junctures of small branches and twigs. When disturbed, adults hop or fly away and nymphs move to the other side of the twig.
Scientific name
Eurymeloides species
Other names
- Leafhoppers
- Treehoppers
- Jassids
Similar species
- Cicada
- Gumtree bugs
- Other leafhoppers
Description
- Adults are small (up to 15mm long), winged and tent-shaped or triangular – they resemble small cicadas. On top, they are black with white markings on the wings; underneath they are red and metallic blue.
- Nymphs are smaller and wingless. They are orange and black with red markings and often have a striped abdomen.
- Adults and nymphs occur in colonies at the junctures of small branches and twigs. When they are disturbed, adults hop or fly away and nymphs move to the other side of the twig.
- They are sap-sucking insects, feeding on the leaves, twigs and branches of eucalypts.
- Several species are protected by ants, which collect the sugary secretions (honeydew) produced by the hoppers.
Distribution
- Widespread from the subtropics to temperate zones
Hosts
Gumtree hoppers are only found on eucalypts. Affected species include:
- rose gum and its hybrids (Eucalyptus grandis)
- blackbutt (E. pilularis).
Damage
- Gumtree hoppers reduce the vigour of the host tree.
- Damage includes wilting, and distorted leaf and stem growth. Dieback can occur in severe infestations.
- Honeydew and sooty mould are found with large infestations.
Biology
- Females lay eggs in slits they make in the bark.
- After the eggs hatch, the young nymphs have about 5 moults before developing into adults.
- There is usually 1 generation per year.
Control
- Gumtree hoppers are widely predated upon by birds, skinks, spiders, scorpions, assassin bugs, ladybird beetles and lacewings.
- Eggs and nymphs may be parasitised by wasps, predatory mites and fungal diseases.
- Other control methods are not usually required. However, large clusters can be dispersed by spraying them with water or hitting them with sticks. Stem injection is also possible.
Resources and research
- Carnegie, AJ, Lawson, SA, Smith, TE, Pegg, GS, Stone, C, McDonald, JM, 2008, Healthy hardwoods: a field guide to pests, diseases and nutritional disorders in subtropical hardwoods, Forest & Wood Products Australia, Victoria.
- Jones, DL, Elliot, WR, Jones, SR, 2015, Pests, diseases, ailments and allies of Australian plants, Reed New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd, Chatswood, NSW.