Yaupon psyllid, Gyropsylla ilicis (Ashmead)

The yaupon psyllid causes young leaves of yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria Ait., to deform into galls (fig. 1). Nurserymen or buyers may object to these galls on yaupon. Thus, it is a minor pest, but little or no damage is done to the general vigor of trees. Yaupon ranges primarily in the coastal plain area of southeastern states (Virginia, to central Florida, westward to Texas). This small native tree is desirable for its bright red berries and lustrous evergreen foliage. Dwarf cultivars of yaupon are widely used as ornamentals in the southern United States. These cultivars, possibly due to their smaller leaves, are much less subject to attack by yaupon psyllid than is the native tree.