Olive psyllid—Euphyllura olivina
Adults and nymphs of this psyllid (Psyllidae) feed on olive (Olea europaea), Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), and mock privet (Phillyrea latifolia).
Identification
The small psyllid bodies commonly are not visible because they are covered with flocculent, white wax. Adults are light tan, 1/10 inch long, and strong jumpers. The tiny eggs are elliptical and pale yellow. Nymphs are flat and green to tan.
Life cycle
Females lay eggs on the new shoots and buds beginning about March. The nymphs develop through five increasingly larger instars (growth stages). A psyllid can grow from egg to adult in about 3 months when temperatures are 68° to 77°F.
There are three generations per year. The second generation develops on buds and flowers in May and June. The third generation is often unnoticed, appearing in September and October. Adults overwinter on bark in sheltered areas of the host's trunk.
Damage
The psyllid sucks phloem sap and excretes honeydew, which promotes the growth of blackish sooty mold. Psyllid honeydew and wax foul leaves and twigs and make a sticky mess on surfaces beneath plants. When psyllids are abundant, their feeding can cause premature drop of flowers, fruit, and leaves and reduce the yield of olive fruit. Olive trees appear to tolerate low numbers of psyllids without significant damage.
Solutions
Prune off or thin (remove some) interior limbs in hot locations to increase air circulation and psyllid exposure to heat, which suppresses psyllid abundance. To improve tree health and resistance to pests, avoid frequent irrigation near tree trunks and provide good soil drainage.
If psyllids were intolerable the previous year and insecticide use is planned, target the first generation during about March through April. Olive psyllids are more difficult to control during their second generation (May to June), when most of their waxy excrement and plant damage occur. Consult Pest Notes: Psyllids for more information. | 
