Celticecis subulata Gagne, new species

Hosts: Celtis laevigata, reticulata, tenuifolia

Gall.--On leaf lamina, usually on underside of leaf, single or in groups; upright, elongate-conical, tapering evenly from sharply angled base to pointed apex; surface glabrous, green, turning tan to brown; 6–9 mm high and 2–3 mm wide at base; connection to leaf circular, flat, ca. 1/2 width of gall base, apparent on opposite side of leaf as slight discoloration, rarely as small convexity; gall in cross section thin-walled especially beyond 2/3 height, the cylindrical larval chamber extending from base of gall to apex.

Biological notes.--In central Louisiana, young galls can be found already with second instars in late March on partly expanded leaves. Fullgrown, cocooned larvae as well as some larvae still in the second instar were found in galls in late May. Galls may remain on the leaves through the season and dehisce in September and October. Cocoons extend from the bottom of the larval chamber to about 2/3 height at which point the gall will easily divide the following spring. Larvae are white until later in the third instar when their anterior half turns yellow.

Distribution (Map 19). — This southern U.S. species is found from Georgia and Florida west to Arkansas and Texas.

AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, TX