Pest profile

Boxwood psyllid

Psylla buxi · Hemiptera: Psyllidae[2]

Boxwood psyllids cup and curl new boxwood leaves, but the damage is mostly cosmetic.[1]

Boxwood psyllid adult, a tiny light green insect with clear wings, on a leaf
Boxwood psyllid adult, a tiny light green insect with clear wings, on a leaf. (c) fuzzyspider, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Adults are about 1/16 inch, light green, with clear wings and jumping legs.[1]
  • Nymphs are light green, often with white waxy fluff, hidden inside cupped leaves.[1]

Where it lives

It feeds only on boxwoods, including American and English boxwood, with one generation a year in Kentucky.[1]

US map: public records from 22 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

It usually overwinters as eggs, which hatch as boxwood buds expand in spring.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Feeding on new growth at branch tips makes leaves curl and cup together, starting in early summer.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; UK Extension mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Traps and physical control

Treatment usually isn't necessary; pruning out the damaged tips is the easiest fix.[1]

Common questions

Why are my boxwood leaves cupped?
Boxwood psyllids feeding in new growth make the leaves cup.[1]
Do I need to spray boxwood psyllids?
Usually not; the damage is mostly cosmetic.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Kentucky Entomology (ENTFACT), “Identifying Boxwood Psyllid (ENTFACT-454).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef454 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Psylla buxi taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/207696 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.