Celticecis aciculata
Gagné, 2013
Hackberry Aciculate Gall Midge
Celticecis aciculata is a gall midge described by Gagné in 2013. It belongs to the Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies known for inducing plant galls. The "Hackberry Aciculate Gall Midge" indicates an association with hackberry (Celtis species) and suggests the formation of needle-like or acicular galls. The Celticecis comprises species that specifically target hackberry trees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Celticecis aciculata: /kɛl.tɪˈkɛ.kɪs əˌsɪ.kjəˈlɑː.tə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
As a recently described (2013), diagnostic features distinguishing Celticecis aciculata from congeneric species are not widely documented in accessible literature. Identification likely requires examination of morphological characters (antennal structure, wing venation, genitalia) and association with its characteristic gall form on hackberry. Specimens should be compared with the original description by Gagné (2013).
Images
Habitat
Associated with hackberry trees (Celtis ), occurring in environments where plants grow, including woodlands, forest edges, riparian areas, and urban plantings.
Host Associations
- Celtis - plant Celticecis is exclusively associated with hackberry (Celtis); specific for C. aciculata not confirmed in available sources
Behavior
Induces gall formation on hackberry tissue. The specific gall implied by the epithet "aciculata" (needle-like) suggests elongated, slender galls, though this requires confirmation from original description.
Ecological Role
As a gall inducer, manipulates plant tissue to create protected feeding and development sites. Galls may provide microhabitats for other organisms (, ).
Human Relevance
No significant economic or medical importance documented. Minor aesthetic impact on ornamental hackberry plantings through gall formation.
Similar Taxa
- Other Celticecis speciesAll members of induce galls on Celtis; differentiation requires detailed morphological analysis and gall characteristics
- Other hackberry gall midgesMultiple cecidomyiid and other insect groups form galls on Celtis; identification requires gall and rearing to stage
More Details
Taxonomic recency
Described in 2013 by Canadian dipterist Raymond Gagné, a leading authority on Cecidomyiidae. Limited published information exists outside the original description.