Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma
This record describes Pachypsylla celtidisgemma (species). Recorded family: Carsidaridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Among the common, eastern species this can be identified by its lack of dorsal pubescence, generally lighter color and nearly uniformly brownish wings (though I have seen an individual in which the wing coloration was slightly patchy). It is most like P. celtidisinterneris , though that species typically (though not always) is a little larger, has a dark spot on the pterostigma, darker maculations on the head and thorax and a relatively consistent coloration pattern on the wings. The shape of the wing venation is quite different as well if they are put side by side in that the two marginal cells are quite a bit wider at the wing margin in P. celtidisinterneris than in P. celtidisgemma . --Zack Falin The gall contains several nymphs, each with their own chamber. ( 3 )
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
Central and eastern US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hackberry (Ulmaceae: Celtis spp.) including C. occidentalis , C. tenuifolia , & C. laevigata
Life History
The adults appear in spring, after having overwintered as nymphs in galls. The polythalamous galls are formed on axillary buds of twigs . It's the 5th instar that overwinters in the gall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachypsylla celtidisgemma Riley, 1885
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pachypsylla celtidisgemma. 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 Bud Gall Psyllid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chris Mallory , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid
What is Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid?
Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid (Pachypsylla celtidisgemma) is a species in the family Carsidaridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid?
3-3.5mm
How do you identify Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid?
Among the common, eastern species this can be identified by its lack of dorsal pubescence, generally lighter color and nearly uniformly brownish wings (though I have seen an individual in which the wing coloration was slightly patchy). It is most like P. celtidisinterneris , though that species typically (though not always) is a little larger, has a dark spot on the pterostigma, darker maculations on the head and thorax and a relatively consistent coloration pattern on the wings. The shape of the wing venation is quite different as well if they are put side by side in that the two marginal cells are quite a bit wider at the wing margin in P. celtidisinterneris than in P. celtidisgemma . --Zack Falin
Where is Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid found?
Range: Central and eastern US
What does Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid eat?
The diet of the Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid includes Hackberry (Ulmaceae: Celtis spp.) including C. occidentalis , C. tenuifolia , & C. laevigata.
What is the life cycle of a Hackberry Bud Gall Psyllid?
The adults appear in spring, after having overwintered as nymphs in galls. The polythalamous galls are formed on axillary buds of twigs . It's the 5th instar that overwinters in the gall
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