biology Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It is a broad natural science that encompasses a wide range of fields and unifying principles that explain the structure, function, growth, History of life, origin, evolution, and ...

, a lerp is a structure of crystallized honeydew produced by

larva A larva (; : larvae ) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into their next life stage. Animals with indirect development such as insects, some arachnids, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase ...

e of psyllid bugs as a protective cover. These animals are commonly referred to as lerp insects, of which there are over 300 species in Australia. Lerps are energy rich, consisting mostly of starch, with some proteins and fats. They are eaten by

flying foxes ''Pteropus'' (suborder Yinpterochiroptera) is a genus of megabats which are among the largest bats in the world. They are commonly known as fruit bats or flying foxes, among other colloquial names. They live in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Austr ...

, possums and birds such as pardalotes and honeyeaters. The word is derived from the Wemba Wemba word ''lerep''. Lerps are traditionally eaten by Indigenous people, and can be stored as dry balls for future use.

References

* * * * * * * *

External links

University of California Integrated Pest Management

Lerp Psyllid resources provided by Pacific Coast Arborists and Consultants
Insect ecology Insects as food Psyllidae {{Sternorrhyncha-stub