Neocaledonidiplosis Elsayed, gen. nov., a new genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) endemic to New Caledonia, with description of a new species forming leaf galls on Neoarytera chartacea (Sapindaceae)

Abstract

AbstractNew Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot, but its gall midge fauna remains poorly known. In this study, we describe a gall midge Neocaledonidiplosis neoaryterae Elsayed, gen. et sp. nov. (Cecidomyiinae: Cecidomyiini) inducing leaf galls on Neoarytera chartacea (Sapindaceae) in Noumea, New Caledonia. The new genus is closely related to the catch‐all genus Contarinia, but distinguishable by the shorter ovipositor, longer aedeagus that bears sensoria and presence of the occipital protuberance. Molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted and supported the close relationship of the new genus with Contarinia. This is the first example of a gall midge belonging to the tribe Cecidomyiini to be reported on Sapindaceae.