Celticecis supina Gagne, new species

Cecidomyia sp. Wells 1916: 273.

Hosts: Celtis laevigata, occidentalis, reticulata

Gall.--Reclinate along major or minor veins, almost always on lower leaf surface; subcylindrical, tapering gradually or just before apex; surface striate to rugose, green at first, turning yellow to tan, usually with sparse white hair not obscuring gall surface; 3–4 mm long, 1–2 mm wide near base; wall thin, larval chamber shaped as for gall; gall on opposite side of leaf apparent as a slight discolored convexity.

Affinities. — The tiny galls of this species produce small adults that are among the smaller ones in Celticecis. See under C. spiniformis for further discussion. [Nine species of Celticecis appear to form a natural group: C. spiniformis, C. aciculata, C. acuminata, C. capsularis, C. conica, C. cupiformis, C. pilosa, C. subulata, and C. supina. All form galls on the leaf lamina except for C. supina whose galls are attached to veins, usually minor ones.]

Biological notes. — This early-developing gall was evident in early May in Louisiana and by mid-May in Maryland, in both places already with second instars. In Louisiana galls found with third instars by May 23 in which some had cocooned by June 13. Cocoons fill the larval cavity except for the narrower apex that breaks off when adult emerges in spring.

Distribution (Map 20). — This species is generally widespread in eastern U.S. except that it appears to be absent in the southeast. It is found on northern hackberry, sugarberry and netleaf hackberry.

IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, OH, TN, TX, WV

- Raymond J. Gagne, John C. Moser: (2013) The North American Gall Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) of Hackberries (Cannabaceae: Celtis spp.)^©

Reference: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/51467028#page/45/mode/1up