PEST
 
   NAME
     Gumtree Hopper, Jassid

     Eurymela Species
 
   ORDER
     Hemiptera
 
   FAMILY
     Eurymelidae

Description of the Pest
Generally the gumtree hopper grows up to 12mm in length, resembling a small tiny cicada, and its “A”-shaped folded wings give it a characteristic triangular cross-section. The nymphs are orange, with blue markings, while the adult hopper is black or dark blue, with small white spots on its wings. Adults can fly but will hop away immediately if disturbed. Both nymphs and mature hoppers have piercing and sucking mouth parts and there are many species.

  Common Jassid
Image by B. Sonsie

Common Jassid (Eurymela fenastrata) adult is black with yellow or white markings on its wings, and is a specialised hopper that only feeds on Eucalyptus species.

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
The adults and nymphs may be present throughout the year across most of Eastern Australia, and in warm climates.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolous life cycle, ie. When the immature nymphs resemble the adults.
Females deposit eggs in slits they make in the bark of the host, and several generations may appear annually on the same plant.

Period of Activity
Hoppers may be active throughout the year in tropical to temperate climates.

Damage Caused
Nymphs and adults are gregarious, and both stages may be found on host plants at the same time. If large numbers attack young new growth, sucking sap from leaf petioles and young stems, the host plant may become stressed. Severe infestations may weaken and eventually kill the plant. The nymphs exude a sweet secretion, which is attractive to ants; it also causes sooty mould. Some species produce toxic saliva that kills the effected plant tissue; other species carry plant viruses.

Susceptible Plants
Most Eucalyptus species and ferny-leafed Acacia species.

Cultural Control
Improving the culture of the host species may assist in maintaining vigorous growth, to minimise shock from infestations. It may be possible to remove them by hand, from young trees, using a small butterfly net.

Biological Control
Controlled by natural predation such as small birds, spiders, assassin bugs, ladybirds and lacewings.

Chemical Control
Under normal circumstances, it is impractical and unnecessary to treat mature Eucalypts; however, hoppers on young plants may be treated with a contact insecticide. 
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.