Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca
This record describes Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca (species). Recorded family: Carsidaridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Galls occur on the underside of leaves and resemble a star or a Convolvulus flower, about 2.5mm in diameter . Adults are essentially indistinguishable from P. celtidismamma , but are said to be smaller (under 3mm), and with the male paramere sharply angled at the apex (whereas it is smoothly rounded in the P. celtidismamma ) . Riley described the gall of this and several other leaf-galling species but never formally described the adults, which Riley said so closely resembled P. celtidismamma that they can only be distinguished with difficulty. These two facts caused subsequent authors to treat Riley's names as either nomina nuda or as synonyms of P. celtidismamma . However, as D.B. Thomas points out, names published prior to 1931 based on descriptions of galls are indeed valid under the ICZN, and recent studies by Yang and Mitter concluded that P. celtidismamma was indeed a cryptic-species complex, though more work needs to be done in order to fully understand which of Riley's species are indeed valid . It's common for star galls to often occur with glabrous nipple galls :
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Psylloidea
- Family
- Carsidaridae
- Subfamily
- Pachypsyllinae
- Genus
- Pachypsylla (Hackberry Psyllids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
northeastern and southern US ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hackberry including Celtis laevigata, C. reticulata, & C. tenuifolia ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca Riley, 1890
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by ceiseman , Chris Mallory
Frequently Asked Questions About Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid
What is Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid?
Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid (Pachypsylla celtidisasterisca) is a species in the family Carsidaridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid?
Galls occur on the underside of leaves and resemble a star or a Convolvulus flower, about 2.5mm in diameter . Adults are essentially indistinguishable from P. celtidismamma , but are said to be smaller (under 3mm), and with the male paramere sharply angled at the apex (whereas it is smoothly rounded in the P. celtidismamma ) .
Where is Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid found?
Range: northeastern and southern US ( 3 )
What does Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid includes Hackberry including Celtis laevigata, C. reticulata, & C. tenuifolia ( 3 ).