Abdomen - Eight pairs of spiracles on underside. Segments ill defined
Egg - brown, ovoid. Less than 0.5mm long.
Habits - Scales are formed on the leaf and the nymph feeds below the scale. These may be of various sizes and shapes.
Nymphs
Usually 5 stages (instars). Look quite different to the adults.
Often orange. They move when the leaf is tapped.
Biology:
Life Cycle:
Eggs hatch to produce nymphs that are active form May to November. Adults appear in summer and lay batches of 50-100 eggs.
Habitats:
Origin and History:
Distribution:
Significance:
Severe defoliation of trees may result from lerp insect attack. The nymphs shelter under the lerp scale and suck sap from the leaf. This often causes a reddening or browning of the leaves.
Death of trees may result after a number of severe attacks.
Management and Control:
Related Species:
Aphids, various 'bugs' leafhoppers and scales.
Similar Species:
References:
WADA. Insects and Allied Pests of Extensive Farming. Department of Agriculture - Western Australia Bulletin No. 4185. p87.
Acknowledgments:
Collated by HerbiGuide. Phone 08 98444064 for more information.