Gall-insect
Guides
Gynaikothrips
fig thrips, gall thrips, leaf-rolling thrips
Gynaikothrips is a genus of tube-tailed thrips in the family Phlaeothripidae, containing more than 30 described species. Members are gall-inducing insects primarily associated with Ficus species (fig trees), causing leaf folding and gall formation. Several species are economically significant pests of ornamental ficus in tropical and subtropical regions, with some having established invasive populations in North America and other regions. The genus is characterized by its intimate host relationship with fig trees and distinctive leaf-gall biology.
Pachypsylla 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.