300px|thumb|upright=1.3|Red lerps ([[Austrochardia acaciae) on Acacia aneura, Central Australia]]

300px|thumb|Close-up of several shell lerps on a leaf

In biology, a lerp is a structure of crystallized honeydew produced by larvae 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. Lerps are traditionally eaten by Indigenous people, and can be stored as dry balls for future use.

See also

  • Manna

References

  • University of California Integrated Pest Management
  • University of California Center for Biological Control
  • Lerp Psyllid resources provided by Pacific Coast Arborists and Consultants