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Aphalara cf. borealis Family: Psyllidae Aphalara species have no genal cones and no pterostigma, and their general colouration includes shades of red and brown. A. borealis is very similar to the much more common A. polygoni, which also occurs on the same hosts. A. borealis, however, has a tendency towards the apical part of the forewing being somewhat fumose, as here, whereas that of polygoni is colourless, or sometimes darkened along the veins. The dark spot on the outer edge of the wing may also separate the species, but this is unclear. Certain separation of the two species relies on the male genitalia. Both species feed on Polygonum species, and overwinter as adults on conifers. A. borealis is historically known from very few sites, restricted to Cumbria, but as with all psyllids, may have been overlooked elsewhere. Length ~3 mm Adult: All year?
	Adult male: West Yorkshire (February 2009) ©Joe Botting
	Adult female: West Yorkshire (February 2009) ©Joe Botting