# Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid (*Pachypsylla celtidismamma*) The Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid is a tiny insect that makes little bumps on hackberry leaves. These bumps are called galls, and they are like cozy homes for the psyllid babies! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Hackberry_Nipplegall_Maker_2.jpg&width=800) Photo: Wm3832, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hackberry_Nipplegall_Maker_2.jpg) ## Appearance The Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid is a tiny insect, typically 2-4mm long, with a greenish-yellow or brownish body. It has clear, membranous wings slightly longer than its body. Its small size and general appearance resemble a mini cicada, often found near the distinctive nipple-shaped galls on hackberry leaves. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Aphalaridae - **Genus:** Pachypsylla ## Interesting facts - Baby psyllids hatch \*inside\* the galls, where they are safe from hungry predators. - The galls they create on leaves are actually made of the tree's own cells, tricked into growing! - These tiny insects are like master architects, creating intricate homes from tree leaves! - They are relatives of aphids and cicadas, all part of the 'true bugs' insect family! ## Special abilities - **Gall Architect:** Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid can trick hackberry trees into growing protective 'nipple galls' that shelter its developing young. - **Sap Sipper:** Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid has specialized mouthparts that help them pierce plant tissue and drink nutrient-rich tree sap. - **Tree Mapper:** Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid can locate specific hackberry trees to feed and lay eggs, ensuring its survival. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 4-6 mm - **Size:** 2-4 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-45 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These tiny insects drink the sap from hackberry trees, causing unique bumps on the leaves. - **Age differences:** Nymphs also feed on hackberry sap from inside their protective galls. - **Primary Foods:** Hackberry tree sap, Phloem sap, Plant juices - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [Common Hackberry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-hackberry) (*Celtis occidentalis*) — Its sole host plant for feeding and gall formation. - **Eaten by:** [Carolina Chickadee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/carolina-chickadee) (*Poecile carolinensis*) — A common bird that preys on small insects from trees. - **Eaten by:** [Seven-spotted Lady Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/seven-spotted-lady-beetle) (*Coccinella septempunctata*) — Adults and larvae consume various small soft-bodied insects. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's safe to look at these insects, but don't touch them or the galls. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid's wingspan? 4-6 mm ### How big is Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid? 2-4 mm ### How long does Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid live? 30-45 days ### What does Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid eat? These tiny insects drink the sap from hackberry trees, causing unique bumps on the leaves. ### Where is Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid usually found? Urban areas ### How does Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Missouri Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/missouri-botanical-garden) — Missouri, US · Botanical Garden - [Itha T. Krumme Memorial Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/itha-t-krumme-memorial-arboretum) — Nebraska, US · Botanical Garden - [Indian Boundary Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/indian-boundary-park) — Illinois, US · Park [View all places to see Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/hackberry-nipplegall-psyllid) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllid Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hackberry-nipplegall-psyllid)