Pachypsylla celtidisinteneris
Mally, 1894
Hackberry Blister Gall Psyllid
A tiny that induces blister galls on hackberry leaves. overwinter in concealed locations and emerge in fall, sometimes becoming nuisance pests when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of approximately seven hackberry psyllid species in North America, each producing distinct gall morphologies.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachypsylla celtidisinteneris: /ˌpækɪˈsɪlə sɛltɪdɪsɪntəˈnɛrɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Produces smooth, rounded blister galls on the upper surface of hackberry leaves, in contrast to the nipple galls of Pachypsylla celtidismama on leaf undersides. are 3.5–4.5 mm long, resembling tiny cicadas with beak-like . Distinguished from barklice (order Psocodea) by mouthpart structure.
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Habitat
Associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), occurring both where hackberry grows naturally and where planted as ornamental. overwinter in protected nooks and crannies including building exteriors, window screens, and door frames.
Distribution
North America; recorded from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio. Range corresponds broadly with distribution of hackberry plants.
Seasonality
emerge in fall and seek sites. Females deposit on unfolding hackberry leaves in spring; timing is critical for offspring survival.
Diet
Nymphs feed on hackberry leaf tissue within galls, inducing gall formation through feeding activity. feed on plant sap using .
Host Associations
- Celtis - obligate planthackberry ; specific gall formation on leaves
Life Cycle
Females deposit on newly unfolding hackberry leaves in spring. Nymphs hatch and feed, inducing blister gall formation. Five nymphal instars develop within the gall; the final instar has two pairs of wing pads and spike-like projections used to cut an exit. emerge from galls in fall, seek sites, and re-emerge the following spring.
Behavior
are capable of jumping to escape threats. Fall-emerging adults exhibit aggregating on building exteriors prior to hibernation.
Ecological Role
Induces gall formation on hackberry leaves. Serves as for parasitic including Psyllaephagus ( Encyrtidae) and Torymus species (family Torymidae), which attack nymphs within galls.
Human Relevance
Occasional nuisance pest when fall-emerging congregate on homes and buildings in large numbers. Galls do not appear to harm tree health significantly.
Similar Taxa
- Pachypsylla celtidismamaProduces nipple galls on underside of hackberry leaves rather than blister galls on upper surface; gall and location are distinguishing features
- Other Pachypsylla speciesSix additional hackberry produce distinct gall types; identification requires examination of gall shape, size, and location on leaf
More Details
Gall midge confusion
Gall midges ( Cecidomyiidae) can also produce galls on hackberry; these must be distinguished from galls by structure and contents.