The pest is native to Australia and was introduced into California several years ago. It is likely that the Florida infestation came from California via movement of infested plants. A red gum lerp psyllid infestation is very easy to recognize because the nymphs construct individual nests called lerps. Each nymph lives under its own white semi-conical waxy lerp. Adults are not as readily observed because they are active and tend to hide in leaves.
Eggs are bright yellow-orange and laid either in lines or clusters on either surface of the leaves.
Psyllids are sucking insects that feed by drawing sap from plants. A full-blown infestation is very messy. Sticky leaves fall from the trees and can be tracked into buildings, creating problems for carpets and other flooring. Further information can be found at the University of California website. Options for pesticide treatment are limited due to the usual size of infested trees.