Corythucha celtidis

Osborn & Drake, 1916

Hackberry Lace Bug

Species Guides

Corythucha celtidis mississippiensis

Corythucha celtidis, the hackberry , is a of true in the Tingidae. It is a feeder on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.) and is found throughout much of North America. The species was described by Osborn & Drake in 1916 and includes two recognized : C. c. celtidis and C. c. mississippiensis.

Corythucha celtidis mississipiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Corythucha celtidis: /kɔːˈrɪθjʊkə sɛlˈtɪdɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Corythucha by its association with hackberry (Celtis) plants. have the characteristic lace-like reticulated wings typical of the Tingidae. The two (C. c. celtidis and C. c. mississippiensis) may show subtle morphological differences in size or coloration, but specific diagnostic features require examination of .

Images

Habitat

Associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), where it feeds on foliage. Found in natural stands of hackberry as well as ornamental plantings in urban and suburban areas.

Distribution

North America, with records from across the United States including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.

Diet

feeder on hackberry (Celtis spp.), using to extract contents from leaves.

Host Associations

Celtis - primary plant of hackberry trees; specific plant not documented in available sources

Life Cycle

(hemimetabolous) with , nymph, and stages. Eggs are laid on plant foliage. Nymphs feed on the undersides of leaves, progressing through five instars before becoming adults. Multiple per year likely occur in warmer climates.

Behavior

Aggregates on undersides of hackberry leaves. overwinter in protected locations such as beneath bark or in ground debris. In spring, adults return to new foliage to feed and reproduce.

Ecological Role

Herbivore that can cause visible damage to hackberry foliage, including stippling and . Serves as for in the Mymaridae.

Human Relevance

Considered a minor pest of ornamental hackberry trees. Heavy can cause aesthetic damage through leaf stippling and premature yellowing, but significant tree mortality is uncommon. Management typically not required.

Similar Taxa

Corythucha ciliataSycamore lace bug; distinguished by association with Platanus (sycamore) rather than Celtis (hackberry)
Corythucha arcuataOak lace bug; feeds on Quercus , distinguished by plant and subtle morphological differences in wing venation
Corythucha marmorataChrysanthemum lace bug; feeds on diverse including Asteraceae, distinguished by broader host range and different wing patterns

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Corythucha celtidis celtidis Osborn & Drake, 1916 and Corythucha celtidis mississippiensis Drake, 1925. The latter was described from Mississippi and may represent a geographic variant with subtle morphological differences.

Damage Symptoms

Feeding produces characteristic white stippling on upper leaf surfaces, with corresponding concentrations of , shed skins, , and dark fecal spots on lower surfaces. Heavy can cause leaves to turn yellow or bronze and may accelerate leaf drop.