Celticecis connata

Distinguished from other Celticecis species by gall morphology and host association. The aggregate gall structure induced on hackberry leaves or stems provides the primary diagnostic feature. Adult midges are minute, typically 2-4 mm in length, with reduced wing venation characteristic of Cecidomyiidae. Specific morphological characters for separating C. connata from congeners require examination of adult genitalia and pupal spiracles.

Associated with hackberry (Celtis) trees and shrubs, occurring in riparian areas, woodlands, and urban plantings where host plants are present.

North America; distribution corresponds with range of hackberry host species (Celtis occidentalis and related species).

Adult emergence timed with hackberry leaf development; gall formation visible on host plants during growing season.

• Celtis - induces galls on leaves and stemsHackberry species

Females deposit eggs on hackberry tissues. Larvae develop within plant tissue, inducing characteristic aggregate galls. Pupation occurs within the gall. Adults emerge to mate and oviposit on new host growth.

Forms phytophagous association with hackberry as a gall inducer. Gall structures provide microhabitat for specialized inquilines and parasitoids.

Galls may cause aesthetic damage to ornamental hackberry plantings but do not typically threaten tree health. The species contributes to biodiversity of gall-associated communities.

• Celticecis spiniformisAlso forms galls on Celtis; distinguished by gall morphology (spiny versus aggregate structure)
• Celticecis ovataInduces discrete oval galls rather than aggregate galls on Celtis
• Other Celticecis speciesAll members of genus are Celtis specialists; species-level identification requires detailed morphological examination

• gall midge
• Cecidomyiidae
• phytophagous
• Celtis
• hackberry
• aggregate gall

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Meloidae Holdings | Entomology Research Museum