Nyssa
Guides
Aceria dina
Tupelo leaf edge gall mite
Aceria dina is a gall-forming mite in the family Eriophyidae, commonly known as the tupelo leaf edge gall mite. This species induces distinctive gall structures on the leaf edges of its host plant, Nyssa sylvatica (black tupelo or sour gum). Like other eriophyid mites, it has a worm-like, elongated body with four legs and measures approximately 0.2 mm in length. The mite is an obligate plant parasite with a highly specialized relationship to its host.
Aceria nyssae
Black Tupelo Gall Mite
Aceria nyssae is an eriophyid gall mite that induces distinctive leaf curl galls on Nyssa sylvatica (black tupelo, sour gum). The mite's feeding activity causes leaf margins to curl inward, forming hollow pockets that shelter the mites and their eggs. This species exemplifies the highly specialized host relationships typical of Eriophyoidea, where individual species are often restricted to a single plant host genus. The galls are most evident on young leaves at branch tips during the growing season. Like other eriophyid mites, A. nyssae is extremely small and difficult to observe directly, with populations typically assessed through gall symptoms rather than mite counts.
Caliroa nyssae
tupelo sawfly, black gum sawfly
Caliroa nyssae is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae that feeds on Nyssa sylvatica (black tupelo or black gum). The larvae skeletonize leaves, leaving a characteristic lace-like pattern of veins. This species is part of a genus of oak-skeletonizing sawflies, though C. nyssae has specialized on tupelo rather than oak. Adults are small, dark-colored sawflies with the typical broad waist characteristic of suborder Symphyta, distinguishing them from the narrow-waisted wasps in suborder Apocrita.
Phylloxerina
Phylloxerina is a genus of phylloxerids—small, sap-sucking true bugs in the family Phylloxeridae. These insects are closely related to aphids and are known for inducing distinctive leaf galls on host plants. The genus includes species such as Phylloxerina nyssae, which forms crescent-shaped galls on black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). Phylloxerids are morphologically unusual among Sternorrhyncha, with wax-covered bodies and complex life cycles involving both gall-dwelling and bark-dwelling generations. The genus is native to northern North America.
Phylloxerina nyssae
Phylloxerina nyssae is a minute gall-forming phylloxerid that induces distinctive yellowish-white crescent-shaped galls along the leaf margins of Nyssa sylvatica (black tupelo or sour gum). Adults are approximately 1 mm in length with sucking mouthparts positioned between the first pair of legs. The species reproduces asexually within galls, with females producing dozens of pill-shaped translucent eggs. Overwintering occurs as wax-covered individuals concealed in bark crevices and craggy trunk folds. While the gall formation causes cosmetic damage to foliage, the tree remains otherwise healthy.
Synanthedon rubrofascia
Tupelo Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon rubrofascia, the Tupelo Clearwing Moth, is a North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae. The species is diurnal and, like most sesiids, generally unattracted to light traps. It is associated with Nyssa (tupelo) host plants, though specific life history details remain poorly documented.