The underside of a gum leaf is host to a variety of life. This image shows two psyllid nymphs (bottom) hiding under an empty ladybird pupa which is next to the yellow eggs of another ladybird. Psyllids can build their own little houses called lerps, but on this tree they are out in the open. Their sheer numbers are protection enough but has resulted in black sooty mould taking over most of the leaves on the tree. Sooty mould loves to grow on the honeydew excreted by jumping plant lice. Kyogle, NSW.
Jumpng plant lice on the new growth of a lilly pilly shrub. It's surrounded by the exuvia (shed skin) of early instars. Kyogle, NSW.
Lilly pilly psyllid nymphs and eggs - the eggs are laid mostly on the edges of the new growth while the nymphs feed on the face and underside of each leaf resulting in the lumpy appearance. Kyogle, NSW.
