Hackberry Petiole Gall Psyllid, Pachypsylla venusta (Osten-Saken)
Donald W. Hall, Jerry F. Butler, and Harvey L. Cromroy
The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the hackberry petiole gall psyllid, Pachypsylla venusta, focusing on its biology, distribution, and life cycle. The psyllid forms woody galls on hackberry leaf petioles, which are unsightly but not harmful to the host trees. The article details the appearance of adult and nymph stages, the formation and structure of galls, and the role of endosymbiotic bacteria in the psyllid's nutrition. It also discusses the parasitoids that affect the psyllid and the lack of need for control measures due to minimal tree damage. Original publication date September 1998.
