Verdia · Library
Sap-feeding insect observations
Record tiny insects, mottling and sticky residue, and see how Verdia routes whitefly, thrips, leafhopper, psyllid and lace bug genera to sap-feeding insects.
What the group contains
Verdia's sap-feeding group lists 25 genera. Whiteflies such as Trialeurodes and Bemisia, thrips such as Frankliniella and Thrips, leafhoppers such as Empoasca, psyllids such as Cacopsylla, lace bugs such as Stephanitis and Corythucha, and Halyomorpha, Nezara and Lygus all route here. Six keywords back up the genus list: aleyrodidae, thysanoptera, thripidae, cicadellidae, psyllidae and tingidae.
Aphids, mites and scale insects also feed on sap, but each has its own group and steps in the app.
The list contains no aphid genera: Myzus or Aphis results go to the aphid group, and Tetranychus to mites, each with different steps. When a thrips name scores below 30 percent, the app asks you to compare the listed possibilities with your plant before treating it.
How to record them
- Record tiny organisms, how they move and where they sit.
- Note mottling on leaves and any sticky residue.
- Gently shake suitable foliage over white paper to see insects that are hard to spot.
- For indoor plants, use sticky cards to monitor flying adults, and note the date.
Reading a thrips result
With Frankliniella occidentalis at 48 percent, the genus frankliniella matches. Two of the app's three steps are repeated here: shaking a leaf over white paper to see how many there are, and hanging yellow or blue sticky traps near the plant. The third names a spray and is held back.
- Name returned
- Frankliniella occidentalis
- Top score
- 48%
- Rule that matched
- genus frankliniella
- Sap-feeder steps shown here
- 2 of 3
A result named only Thysanoptera would reach the same group through the keyword rule.
Things people get wrong
- Reading a sticky-card catch as proof of what damaged the plant.
- Assuming sticky cards identify every pest or show a need for treatment.
- Placing sticky cards without regard for beneficial wildlife, which the RHS asks you to protect.
- Grouping aphids with whitefly, when the app keeps them apart.
Scope
The group label does not identify the insect. The RHS thrips page and the University of Minnesota Extension indoor-insects guide listed below describe the insects; the ASPCA list covers pet safety.