It looks like we need a new Psyllid adding to the Dictionary. This insect, the Japanese Knotweed Psyllid, is to be released in Britain to bring Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) under control.

The psyllid Aphalara itadori, to be released in Britain, only eats Japanese knotweed. The insects were brought to the UK from a specific location in southern Japan where the plant grows on rocky volcanic slopes and the climate is similar to the UK.

The aphid-like insect is about 2mm long and is an orange or brown colour. Typically the psyllid will only live for a few weeks and go through two or three life cycles in one summer. It lays thousands of eggs which hatch and immediately start sucking sap from the plant through its sharp mouth.

The winged insects are currently being bred in captivity in Britain but could spread once they are released, using the wind to carry them further.

Cheers

Steve