Pachypsylla celtidisinteneris
Mally, 1894
Hackberry Blister Gall Psyllid
A tiny that induces blister 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 .
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 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 with -like . Distinguished from ( ) by mouthpart structure.
Images
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 on unfolding hackberry leaves in spring; timing is critical for offspring survival.
Diet
feed on hackberry leaf tissue within , inducing gall formation through feeding activity. feed on sap using .
Host Associations
- Celtis - obligate hackberry ; specific formation on leaves
Life Cycle
Females on newly unfolding hackberry leaves in spring. hatch and feed, inducing blister formation. Five nymphal develop within the gall; the final instar has two pairs of 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 .
Ecological Role
Induces formation on hackberry leaves. Serves as for parasitic including Psyllaephagus ( ) and Torymus species (family ), which attack within galls.
Human Relevance
Occasional nuisance pest when fall-emerging congregate on homes and buildings in large numbers. do not appear to harm tree health significantly.
Similar Taxa
- Pachypsylla celtidismamaProduces nipple 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 ; identification requires examination of gall shape, size, and location on leaf
More Details
Gall midge confusion
( ) can also produce on hackberry; these must be distinguished from galls by structure and contents.