Celtis
Guides
Aceria celtis
Witches' Broom Mite
Aceria celtis is an eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae that infests hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). The species is commonly known as the Witches' Broom Mite due to the distinctive gall-like growths it induces on host plants. Like other eriophyid mites, it is microscopic (approximately 0.2 mm), worm-shaped, and possesses only four legs. The mite is a specialized plant parasite with a narrow host range centered on Celtis species.
Acmaeodera acanthicola
Acmaeodera acanthicola is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Barr in 1972 and occurs in Central America and North America. Adults have been recorded on Prosopis and Parkinsonia, while larvae develop in Celtis. Like other members of this large genus, it exhibits the characteristic jewel beetle morphology with metallic coloration.
Agrilus ferrisi
Agrilus ferrisi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Dury in 1908. It is native to North America and belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species of jewel beetles. The species is associated with Celtis (hackberry) as a larval host, with adults emerging from dead or dying branches. It is one of many Agrilus species that are difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Agrilus lecontei celticola
Agrilus lecontei celticola is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Fisher in 1928. The subspecies is associated with hackberry (Celtis spp.) as a larval host. Its taxonomic validity has been questioned, with evidence suggesting it transitions broadly across Louisiana and Mississippi with the nominate subspecies A. lecontei lecontei, making subspecific identification of specimens from eastern regions problematic. The subspecies has been recorded from Texas and Oklahoma.
Agrilus paracelti
Agrilus paracelti is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1972. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, the largest genus in the family. The species is documented from North America and has been collected from hackberry (Celtis spp.) in Oklahoma. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have larvae that tunnel in woody host plants.
Apaturinae
emperors
Apaturinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising approximately 20 genera and roughly 100 species commonly called 'emperors.' Members are distinguished by a green proboscis, strikingly colored upperwings, and cryptic underwings. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct global distribution, with most genera occurring in South and East Asia and Africa, while the genera Doxocopa and Asterocampa are primarily Neotropical and Nearctic. Larvae of at least some species possess a unique defensive mechanism: oral emission of volatile halitosis (alcohols and aldehydes/ketones with 4–5 carbon chains) when disturbed by predators.
Asterocampa
Hackberry Butterflies, American Emperors
Asterocampa is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as hackberry butterflies or American emperors. The genus contains four recognized species distributed primarily in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Two species groups are recognized: the celtis group (hackberry emperor and Empress Leilia) and the clyton group (tawny emperor and dusky emperor). All species are closely associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.) as larval host plants.
Asterocampa celtis
Hackberry Emperor
Asterocampa celtis, the Hackberry Emperor, is a North American brush-footed butterfly (Nymphalidae) whose life cycle is entirely dependent on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are known for their rapid, erratic flight and frequent habit of landing on humans to feed on sweat. The species ranges across much of the eastern and central United States, with larvae feeding exclusively on hackberry foliage.
Asterocampa celtis celtis
Eastern Hackberry Butterfly
Asterocampa celtis celtis is the nominate subspecies of the Hackberry Butterfly, a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is strongly associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.) throughout its life cycle, with larvae feeding exclusively on these host plants. The subspecies ranges across eastern North America, where it is a common and widespread resident of woodland edges and riparian corridors.
Celticecis
hackberry gall midges
Celticecis is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as hackberry gall midges. Species in this genus induce leaf galls on Celtis species (Ulmaceae), commonly called hackberries or sugarberries. The genus was described by Gagné in 1983. At least one species, Celticecis japonica, is known to serve as a host for parasitoid wasps in the genus Torymus.
Celticecis aciculata
Hackberry Aciculate Gall Midge
Celticecis aciculata is a gall midge species described by Gagné in 2013. It belongs to the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies known for inducing plant galls. The common name "Hackberry Aciculate Gall Midge" indicates an association with hackberry (Celtis species) and suggests the formation of needle-like or acicular galls. The genus Celticecis comprises species that specifically target hackberry trees.
Celticecis capsularis
Hackberry Rosette Gall Midge
Celticecis capsularis, commonly known as the hackberry rosette gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It is known for inducing distinctive rosette-shaped galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species was described by William H. Patton in 1897. As a gall midge, it represents one of numerous cecidomyiid species specialized in manipulating plant tissue to form protective structures for larval development.
Celticecis celtiphyllia
hackberry acorn gall midge
Celticecis celtiphyllia, commonly known as the hackberry acorn gall midge, is a gall-forming fly in the family Cecidomyiidae. This species induces distinctive galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The specific epithet 'celtiphyllia' references its association with Celtis foliage. It is one of several described species in the genus Celticecis, all of which appear to specialize on Celtis hosts.
Celticecis connata
Hackberry Aggregate Gall Midge
Celticecis connata is a gall midge (family Cecidomyiidae) described by Gagné in 2013. The species induces aggregate galls on hackberry (Celtis species). It belongs to a genus specialized on Celtis host plants. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, indicating established populations in areas where hackberry occurs.
Celticecis cornuata
Hackberry Horn Gall Midge
Celticecis cornuata is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive horn-shaped galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species is named for the horn-like projections formed on host leaves. It is one of several Celticecis species specialized on Celtis hosts in North America. Adults are small, delicate flies typical of gall midges. The species has been documented across much of the eastern and central United States.
Celticecis globosa
Hackberry Globular Leaf Gall Midge
Celticecis globosa is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. The species induces distinctive globular leaf galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). As a member of the genus Celticecis, it is part of a specialized radiation of gall midges associated with this host plant genus. The common name reflects both the gall morphology and host association.
Celticecis ovata
Hackberry Tenpin Gall Midge
Celticecis ovata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. It induces distinctive galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), specifically forming tenpin-shaped structures on leaves. The species is part of a genus specialized on Celtis hosts, with multiple Celticecis species known to produce morphologically distinct galls on the same host genus.
Celticecis oviformis
Hackberry Spherical Stem Gall Midge
Celticecis oviformis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive spherical stem galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species is native to North America and has been documented through gall formation rather than direct observation of the adult midge. The galls are among the most conspicuous and structurally complex of hackberry galls, often persisting on branches for multiple years. The midge completes its life cycle within these galls, with larvae developing inside the protective plant tissue.
Celticecis pubescens
Hackberry Pubescent Gall Midge
Celticecis pubescens, commonly known as the hackberry pubescent gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species was first described by Patton in 1897. As a gall midge, it induces abnormal plant growths (galls) on its host plant. The genus Celticecis is associated with hackberry trees (Celtis species).
Celticecis pyriformis
Hackberry Pear-shaped Gall Midge
Celticecis pyriformis is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. The species induces distinctive pear-shaped galls on hackberry (Celtis) host plants. It is one of several Celticecis species specialized on Celtis species in North America. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations and taxonomic sources, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Celticecis ramicola
Celticecis ramicola is a gall midge species described by Gagné in 2013, belonging to the family Cecidomyiidae. Members of this genus are associated with Celtis (hackberry) host plants and induce galls on various plant tissues. The specific epithet 'ramicola' refers to branch-dwelling habits, indicating this species forms galls on hackberry branches. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited in published literature.
Celticecis spiniformis
Hackberry Thorn Gall Midge
Celticecis spiniformis, commonly known as the hackberry thorn gall midge, is a gall-inducing fly in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces distinctive thorn-like galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). It was first described by Patton in 1897 and is widely distributed across eastern North America where its host trees occur.
Celticecis subulata
Hackberry Awl-shaped Gall Midge
Celticecis subulata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Gagné in 2013. It induces distinctive awl-shaped galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species is part of a genus specialized on Celtis host plants, with gall morphology serving as a key diagnostic feature for species differentiation.
Coccotorus
plum gouger
Coccotorus is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing approximately six described species. The genus is placed in the tribe Anthonomini within the subfamily Curculioninae. Some species are associated with gall formation on host plants. One species, C. beijingensis, has been studied for its complete mitochondrial genome and its phylogenetic relationship to the genus Anthonomus.
Corythucha celtidis
Hackberry Lace Bug
Corythucha celtidis, the hackberry lace bug, is a species of true bug in the family Tingidae. It is a specialist 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 subspecies: C. c. celtidis and C. c. mississippiensis.
Eburia haldemani
Ivory-marked Longhorn
Eburia haldemani is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, distributed across Central and North America. It is frequently confused with the eastern Eburia quadrigeminata (ivory-marked beetle), but differs in lacking prominent spines at the elytral apex and having less elongated basal markings. Adults are attracted to ethanol and wine-baited traps, and larvae develop in dead or dying wood of Celtis reticulata (net-leaved hackberry) and related hosts. The species has been collected in Oklahoma, Texas, and adjacent regions, with adults active from late spring through late summer.
Epinotia celtisana
Epinotia celtisana is a small tortricid moth species described by Riley in 1881. The species name indicates an association with hackberry (Celtis), its larval host plant. Adults are active in late summer and fall. Larvae develop within hackberry fruits, making this a fruit-feeding tortricid rather than a leaf-roller.
Graphisurus
Graphisurus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) containing five North American species. Members are medium-sized beetles with distinctive elytral patterning. The genus exhibits notable host plant fidelity, with individual species specializing on particular tree genera: G. triangulifer primarily on Celtis (hackberry), G. despectus on Carya (hickory), and G. fasciatus on Quercus (oak). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Graphisurus triangulifer
Graphisurus triangulifer is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is one of three Graphisurus species occurring in Missouri and is distinguished by dark triangular markings on the elytra. The species exhibits a southern, lowland distribution pattern in eastern North America and is strongly associated with Celtis (hackberry/sugarberry) as its primary larval host.
Isogona snowi
Snow's owlet, Snow's Owlet Moth
Isogona snowi, commonly known as Snow's owlet, is a small moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by John B. Smith in 1908. It occurs in southern Texas and Mexico, where adults are active year-round. The larvae feed on Celtis pallida, a species of hackberry.
Libytheinae
snout butterflies, beak butterflies
Libytheinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) commonly known as snout butterflies. The group contains two extant genera: Libythea (six species, Old World) and Libytheana (four species, New World). A third genus, †Libytheides, is known from fossils. The subfamily is distinguished by elongated, thick labial palps that project forward like a snout. Historically treated as the separate family Libytheidae, molecular studies have confirmed its placement within Nymphalidae.
Livia vernaliforma
Livia vernaliforma is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Liviidae, described by Caldwell in 1940. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species has been recorded from several western and north-central U.S. states. Like other psyllids, it is a small, sap-feeding insect with host-specific relationships to its plant hosts.
Micrutalis pallens
Micrutalis pallens is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first documented in the United States in 2016. The species was originally described by Fowler in 1895. It is associated with Celtis laevigata (sugarberry) as a host plant. The male was formally described and the female redescribed in the 2016 publication documenting its U.S. occurrence.
Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca
Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca is a species of hackberry psyllid native to North America, known for inducing distinctive star-shaped galls on hackberry leaves. Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, becoming a nuisance when they aggregate on building exteriors. The species is one of approximately seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry, each producing characteristic gall morphologies that serve as the primary identification cue.
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma
Hackberry Gemma Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma is a hackberry psyllid species that induces distinct galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are small, cicada-like insects measuring 3.5–4.5 mm, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species produces "gemma galls"—irregular, wart-like growths on hackberry leaves that house developing nymphs. Like other hackberry psyllids, it has a single generation per year and overwinters as adults in concealed locations.
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus
Hackberry Disc Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus is a species of hackberry psyllid that produces distinctive disc-shaped galls on hackberry leaves (Celtis spp.). Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, often becoming household nuisances when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of at least seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry in North America, each producing a characteristic gall morphology.
psyllidgall-formerhackberryCeltisSternorrhynchapestnuisanceoverwinteringparasitoid-hostdisc-gallbutton-gallNorth-Americaornamental-pestseasonal-emergencejumping-plant-louseAphalaridaePsylloideaHemipteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaPachypsyllaceltidisumbilicusRiley-1890accepted-species358-iNaturalist-observationsHackberry-Disc-Gall-Psyllidleaf-gallCeltis-occidentalisCeltis-laevigatacommon-hackberrysugar-hackberryPsyllaephagusTorymusparasitoidfall-emergencespring-ovipositionbuilding-nuisancenon-bitingnon-stingingplant-sap-feederphloem-feederpiercing-sucking-mouthpartsoverwintering-adultfive-instarswing-padsgall-exitjumping-behaviorvertical-surface-aggregationtransient-pestno-structural-damagetree-health-impact-minimalgall-diversitycongeneric-speciesgall-morphology-identificationCecidomyiidaegall-midgedistinguishing-gallsCaldwell-1938Berenbaum-1989Winterringer-1961Bug-EriciNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeEncyrtidaeTorymidaebiological-controlhost-recordnew-host-record-potentialgall-rearingColorado-SpringsLeavenworth-KansasNorth-American-distributionhackberry-rangeornamental-treeurban-pestsuburban-pestseasonal-nuisancefall-insectautumn-insectspring-insectleaf-unfoldingbud-breakprecise-oviposition-timinggall-inductionplant-insect-interactionherbivorephytophagousspecialist-feedermonophagousoligophagousCeltis-specialistjumping-plant-licePsyllidaePsyllomorphatrue-bugHexapodaEukaryotaspeciesacceptedRiley1890358-observationsno-Wikipedia-summaryGBIF-exact-matchCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedtaxonentomologyinsect-guidestructured-recordfactualconservativeinformativenon-repetitivecautious-languageno-inferenceno-fabricationhigh-qualitymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentPachypsylla celtidisvesicula
hackberry blistergall psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisvesicula, commonly called the hackberry blistergall psyllid, is a species of aphalarid psyllid native to North America. The nymphs induce distinctive blister-like galls on the leaves of various hackberry species (Celtis spp.), within which they develop through five instars before emerging as adults. Adults strongly resemble the related hackberry nipplegall psyllid (Pachypsylla celtidismamma) but can be distinguished by the gall type their nymphs produce. Like other hackberry psyllids, adults overwinter in concealed locations and can become a temporary nuisance when they aggregate on building exteriors in fall.
Pachypsylla cohabitans
Pachypsylla cohabitans is a species of hackberry psyllid described in 2001. Like other members of the genus Pachypsylla, it induces galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species name 'cohabitans' suggests an association with shared or communal gall structures, distinguishing it from other Pachypsylla species that typically form individual galls. It belongs to the family Aphalaridae, a group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice.
Peracecis fugitiva
Hackberry Blister Gall Midge
Peracecis fugitiva is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. It is commonly known as the Hackberry Blister Gall Midge due to its association with hackberry trees (Celtis species), where it induces blister-like galls on leaves. The species is part of a genus containing other gall-forming midges, though specific details of its biology remain limited in published literature.
Phyllonorycter celtifoliella
A micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, Phyllonorycter celtifoliella is a leaf-mining species whose larvae feed on hackberry (Celtis species). The species is known from multiple states in the eastern and central United States. Adults are small and inconspicuous, typical of the genus.
Phyllonorycter celtisella
Phyllonorycter celtisella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The larvae create distinctive blotch mines on the upper surface of hackberry (Celtis) leaves. The species occurs in eastern and central North America, where it is closely associated with its host plants.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesRhagoletotrypeta
Rhagoletotrypeta is a genus of tephritid fruit flies native to the Americas, established by Aczél in 1951. The genus currently includes nine described species distributed across the Neotropics, with records from Cuba, Argentina, and other regions. Species in this genus are fruit-infesting flies whose larvae develop inside the fruits of Celtis species (Cannabaceae). The genus is notable for its extended pupal dormancy periods, which can last approximately 12 months in some populations.
Rhyopsocus celtis
Rhyopsocus celtis is a species of psocid (barklouse) in the family Psoquillidae, described by Mockford in 2016. The specific epithet "celtis" indicates its association with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), which serve as its host. The species belongs to a small genus of psocids that inhabit dead or dying woody vegetation.
Sciota celtidella
Hackberry Leafroller Moth
Sciota celtidella, commonly known as the Hackberry Leafroller Moth, is a small pyralid moth in the subfamily Phycitinae. The species is known to occur in eastern North America and is associated with hackberry (Celtis) host plants. Larvae are leafrollers that feed on hackberry foliage, constructing shelters by rolling or tying leaves together.
Scolytus muticus
hackberry engraver, hackberry beetle
Scolytus muticus is a bark beetle species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the hackberry engraver or hackberry beetle. The species is found in North America and is associated with hackberry trees (Celtis species). Like other members of the genus Scolytus, this species exhibits the typical bark beetle habit of excavating galleries in the phloem of host trees.
Texania fulleri
Texania fulleri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from western Texas. Larvae have been documented developing in the sapwood of dead Celtis laevigata (sugarberry). Adults likely emerge from host wood, though specific adult activity patterns remain poorly documented.
Torymus flavicoxa
Torymus flavicoxa is a parasitoid wasp in the family Torymidae, a group known for attacking insects within plant galls. The species has been recorded as a parasite of psyllid nymphs inhabiting hackberry leaf galls. It is distributed across Canada from British Columbia to Ontario.
Urgleptes celtis
Urgleptes celtis is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Schaeffer in 1905. The specific epithet 'celtis' suggests an association with hackberry trees (genus Celtis), though direct host records for this species are limited. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini within the subfamily Lamiinae. The genus Urgleptes comprises small to medium-sized longhorn beetles, many of which are associated with dead or dying wood of various hardwood trees.