Insects hiding in the urban gum leaves

Two new native insect species have been discovered in Bundoora and Gippsland.

The two new species of native psyllid were discovered on gum leaves on the La Trobe University Bundoora campus and in South Gippsland, demonstrating the conservation value of growing native species in revegetated urban areas.

There are currently 366 known species of known Australian psyllid, which are fundamental to the Australian natural ecosystem. Lead researcher Martin Steinbauer believes at least another 250 species remain undiscovered.