Psylla frodobagginsi
The Hobbit Psyllid is a fantastic representative of New Zealand hidden biodiversity and a true champion for all the small and often overlooked critters that are an integral part of the country’s treasured fauna.
The hobbit psyllid, Psylla frodobagginsi, is the smaller of two endemic New Zealand psyllids (the other being Psylla apicalis) that live on kowhai plants. Psyllids are extremely host specific, which means you can only find the hobbit psyllid on Kowhai. For almost 90 years, the two kowhai psyllid species were thought to be the same insect, but a genetic study confirmed they are distinct. Psylla frodobagginsi can be identified by its smaller dimensions, hence the common name “hobbit psyllid”, and by the uniform pattern on its wings. Some observers could swear they can see hairy feet, too, but the scientific community still struggles to come to an agreement.
Psyllids are not great fliers, but they tend to jump away when disturbed. This is why they are also known as jumping plant lice. Of course, jumping is hard, and psyllids only do a couple of good jumps before they need to rest. That’s the best time to observe them and take photos! When kowhai trees are in flower, you can run your hand through the foliage and you almost certainly will be covered in psyllids. But can you distinguish the hobbit psyllid from its sister species?
New Zealand is home to more than 100 psyllid species, most of which are native or endemic, but due to their small dimensions they can be easily overlooked. Yet, they are integral part of New Zealand’s bug diversity, providing food for other insects, spiders, and birds. Vote the Hobbit Psyllid as New Zealand Bug of the Year 2026, to show your love for one of New Zealand’s underdog bugs, for (biodiversity) power can be held in the smallest of the bugs!
Check these links for more info on the Hobbit Psyllid in NZ
Wikipedia: Information on the Hobbit Psyllid
The Guardian: Naming of the Hobbit Psyllid
Critter of the Week: The Hobbit Psyllid
Follow the Hobbit Psyllid Campaign on Instagram: @hobbit.psyllid
images
Click on the image to visit the official observation.
