Pachypsylla pallida

Patch, 1912

Hairy Bud Gall Psyllid

Pachypsylla pallida is a hackberry in the Aphalaridae, known for inducing distinctive galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). It is one of at least seven species in the Pachypsylla that specialize on hackberry . The species produces hairy bud galls, distinguishing it from that create nipple galls or other gall morphologies. Like other psyllids, it has and undergoes with five nymphal instars developing within the protective gall structure.

Pachypsylla pallida by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pachypsylla pallida by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pachypsylla pallida: //ˌpækɪˈsɪlə ˈpælɪdə//

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

Identification

Identified by the hairy bud gall it induces on hackberry, in contrast to the smooth nipple galls of P. celtidismama. are tiny (approximately 3-4 mm), resembling miniature cicadas with membranous wings held roof-like over the body. Specific adult morphological characters distinguishing P. pallida from other Pachypsylla are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), occurring in both natural stands and ornamental plantings. The requires developing hackberry buds for gall formation.

Distribution

North America; distribution records indicate presence in Arizona (ARIOO) and New Mexico/Northwest Mexico (NWMOO). Range corresponds with native and ornamental hackberry distribution.

Diet

Nymphs feed on plant tissue within the gall structure. feed on hackberry sap using .

Host Associations

Celtis spp. - obligate planthackberry trees; induces hairy bud galls on buds

Life Cycle

Females deposit on hackberry buds. Nymphs hatch and feed, inducing gall formation as a plant response. Five nymphal instars develop within the gall, with the final instar possessing wing pads. emerge by cutting an exit through the gall wall. not explicitly documented for this , though related Pachypsylla species overwinter as adults in sheltered locations.

Pachypsylla celtidismamaAlso occurs on hackberry, but produces smooth nipple galls on leaf undersides rather than hairy bud galls
Other Pachypsylla speciesSix additional occur on hackberry, distinguished primarily by gall (size, shape, location, and texture)

More Details

Gall morphology

The hairy bud gall is diagnostic for this among hackberry psyllids. Gall texture and location (buds vs. leaves) provide the most reliable identification method.

Taxonomic note

placement has varied; some sources list Psyllidae rather than Aphalaridae. The Pachypsylla is restricted to hackberry in North America.