Species Of Gall Midges Research Articles

New genus and two new species of Cecidomyiidi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inhabiting the fig wall of Ficus subpisocarpa and Ficus caulocarpa (Moraceae) in Japan and Taiwan

AbstractThere are approximately 850 species of Ficus (Moraceae). However, few species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inhabiting syconia and leaves of fig trees are known. In field surveys, gall midges were found in syconia of Ficus caulocarpa and Ficus subpisocarpa. Here, we examined adults, pupae and larvae of the gall midge species, describe the morphology, and provide information on distribution, behavior and genetic data. A new genus, Ficidiplosis Yukawa and Arimoto, gen. nov., is established in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi for two new species, Ficidiplosis subpisocarpae Yukawa and Arimoto, sp. nov. and Ficidiplosis caulocarpae Yukawa and Arimoto, sp. nov., which emerged from syconia of Ficus subpisocarpa and Ficus caulocarpa, respectively, in Japan and Taiwan. The larvae of Ficidiplosis species feed on the parenchyma of the fig wall and pupate there without making galls. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)‐based neighbor‐joining tree using samples from Japan and Taiwan supported the existence of two separate species.

Exploring the diversity of galls on Artemisia indica induced by Rhopalomyia species through morphological and transcriptome analyses.

Plant galls generated by insects have highly organized structures, providing nutrients and shelter to the insects living within them. Most research on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of gall development has focused on single galls. To understand the diversity of gall development, we examined five galls with different morphologies generated by distinct species of Rhopalomyia (gall midge; Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on a single host plant of Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii (Asteraceae). Vasculature developed de novo within the galls, indicating active transport of nutrients between galls and the host plant. Each gall had a different pattern of vasculature and lignification, probably due to differences in the site of gall generation and the gall midge species. Transcriptome analysis indicated that photosynthetic and cell wall-related genes were down-regulated in leaf and stem galls, respectively, compared with control leaf and stem tissues, whereas genes involved in floral organ development were up-regulated in all types of galls, indicating that transformation from source to sink organs occurs during gall development. Our results help to understand the diversity of galls on a single herbaceous host plant.

Lasioptera sharma, a new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) feeding on Leea indica (Vitaceae) in India

A new species of gall midge associated with the leaves of Leea indica (Burm.fil.) Merr. (Vitaceae) is described and illustrated. Two species of Lasioptera have been reported from the plant genus Leea so far and the present species is the third one, known to cause galls on the leaves of Leea indica. The type specimens are deposited in the National Zoological Collection, Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune, India.

New Records of Iranian Grass Gall Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

The diversity of plant species belonging to the Poaceae family in Iran is very rich with about 500 known species. Many species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) have a feeding relationship with plants of the Poaceae family. Despite the great species richness of Poaceae in Iran and the association between Cecidomyiidae/Poaceae, only 6 species of gall midges have been collected and identified from the plants of the Poaceae in Iran. In the present investigation related to the gall midge fauna of Iran, 3 genera namely, Calamomyia Gagné, 1969, Epicalamus Sylvén, 1998 and Mayetiola Kieffer, 1896 and 13 species namely, C. echinochloa Felt, 1916, Contarinia festucae Jones, 1940, C. floricola (Oettingen, 1927), C. lolii Metcalfe, 1933, Dasineura alopecuri (Reuter, 1895), E. phalaridis Sylvén, 1998, Lasioptera arundinis Schiner, 1854, L. calamagrostidis Rübsaamen, 1893, L. donacis Coutin, 2001, Mayetiola poae (Bosc, 1817), Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillett, 1899), S. geniculati (Reuter, 1895) and S. panici Plotnikov 1926 are reported for the first time from the country. The adult specimens were obtained by rearing from their larvae on 13 genera and 13 species of Poaceae. The genus Calamomyia Gagné 1969, which is distributed in the Nearctic region, is reported for the first time from the Palearctic region.

Hymenopteran parasitoids reared from European gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae).

We report the results of investigations 2010 through 2023 of hymenopteran parasitoids associated with gall midges in Europe. A total of 242 collections of gall midges were made, from each of which one to several parasitoid species emerged, resulting in ca. 200 recorded parasitoid species and 267 host-parasitoid interaction records. The parasitoid families involved were Eulophidae (63 species), Platygastridae (56 species), Torymidae (34 species), Pteromalidae (31 species), Ceraphronidae (5 species), Eupelmidae (4 species), Eurytomidae (2 species) and Encyrtidae (1 species). As many as 159 interactions are reported for the first time, significantly enlarging our knowledge of gall midge - parasitoid interactions on the species level. Even more interesting, 51 host records are for parasitoid species for which no host was previously known. Similarly, 28 species of gall midge are reported as host to named parasitoids for the first time. Additionally, 91 parasitoid records were the first for the country in question. Differences between the rearing methods applied and their suitability for recording species with contrasting life histories, are discussed.

A new species of Asphondylia gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) damaging fruit of mango in India

Larvae of a previously unknown species of gall midge were found feeding inside young fruits of mango, Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), in Andhra Pradesh, India, causing severe damage to crop. The new species is named Asphondylia mangiferi Kolesik & David, its morphology is described, a COI mitochondrial gene segment is sequenced, and the basic biology is given. The new species is the first Asphondylia Loew known to feed on mango and the third gall midge known to infest mango fruit worldwide.LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:394D1A93-DE6A-42E9-AF8C-8B002B84B231

A new player in the Panamanian fig tree – fig wasp mutualism; a study on the effect of gall midges on Ficus citrifolia

The mutualism between the fig tree and the pollinating fig wasps is a keystone interaction in tropical forests. However, many antagonistic interactions also occur in the system, taking advantage of the fig trees and the pollinator. One such example is an antagonistic gall midge (Cecidomyiidae) that develops inside figs. Gall midges inside figs have been documented in a few Ficus species around the world, but to our knowledge they have not previously been observed in Panama. In this study the newly observed Panamanian fig gall midge is documented, together with its parasitoid wasp. The fig gall midge was only found in Ficus citrifolia figs. We investigated the effect of fig gall midge presence on the number of seeds and the number of pollinating wasps (Pegoscapus tonduzi) in a fig and aimed to identify the species based on morphology and barcoding of the COI region. We found that the fig gall midge had no, or a negligible effect, on the reproduction of the fig tree - fig wasp mutualism. The fig gall midge most likely belongs to the genus Ficiomyia, close to Ficiomyia perarticulata. The parasitoid belongs to the genus Physothorax, close to Physothorax russelli. This study suggests that the potentially newly arrived fig gall midge currently has no major effect on the fig tree - fig wasp mutualism. However, should infestation rates increase, it is likely that the fig gall midge would affect the mutualism negatively as it has in other parts of the world. More studies on the fig gall midge species distributions in this region would be valuable and would connect these newly observed species to a larger community, adding yet another species to this complex but classic example of a mutualism.

Evergreen forests on the Korean Peninsula faced a new threat: Schizomyia castanopsisae (Jat-bam-na-mu-hok-pa-ri) inducing galls on reproductive organs of Castanopsis sieboldii in the Yokjido Island Natural Monument Forest

Unnoticed and silently, a certain midge has emerged that could pose a threat to the evergreen forests on the Korean Peninsula and the associated island ecosystems. We report the discovery of an unrecorded species on the Korean Peninsula, identified as Schizomyia castanopsisae Elsayed & Tokuda, 2018 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). This previously unrecorded gall midge species induces galls on a reproductive organ of Castanopsis sieboldii, specifically the inflorescences, and was found in the natural monument forest on Yokjido Island. A total of 40 larvae were collected from 8 inflorescence galls, each obtained from individual hosts within the forest. Morphological examinations and mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) region sequencing were conducted for each specimen, confirming the identification of the gall inducer as S. castanopsisae. The COI sequences from the 40 specimens collected on Yokjido Island were identical, showing a 99.8% match with individuals from Kyushu, Japan. Additionally, a maximum likelihood tree analysis revealed a sister relationship between Yokjido Island and Kyushu individuals. Considering the tropical nature of gall midge species, it suggests recent northward migration from Kyushu to Yokjido Island. This species not only significantly reduces acorn production but also has the potential to negatively impact organisms associated with acorns. Drawing from cases in Japan, this species has the potential to rapidly dominate evergreen broad-leaved forests on numerous islands in the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, urgent additional research on aspects such as natural enemies of this species, its dispersal mechanisms, and other relevant factors is necessary. We also investigated the distribution of trees with inflorescences gall-induced by S. castanopsisae in the Yokjido Island Natural Monument Forest. The occurrence frequency of these galls is estimated to be approximately 10 percent.

Insect galls of Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil)

The Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) is an integral protection conservation unit inserted in the domain of the Atlantic forest. This Park was investigated monthly from September to December/2021 and from March to May/2022 for insect galls. Host plants were identified and their exsiccates were deposited in the herbarium (R) of the Museu Nacional. Insects obtained by gall dissection and rearing were deposited in the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional (MNRJ). The conservational status of the host plants and their origin were verified in the site Flora e Funga do Brasil (2023). New records of host plants in Brazil are presented based on comparison with literature data. PARNASO hosts a great richness of galls (290 gall morphotypes on 43 plant families). Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae, Mikania Willd. (Asteraceae), Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (Melastomataceae), and Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae), and Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) were the botanical taxa with the highest number of gall morphotypes, all of them were previously indicated as super hosts in inventories in forest formations of the Atlantic forest, except Rubiaceae. PARNASO includes 148 gall-inducing species native to Brazil, being 69 endemic; among the last 23 are exclusive to the Atlantic forest. Eight gall-inducing species are endangered and four are near threathned. Most galls were found on leaves. The most frequent gall characters were: globoid shape, green color, and glabrous surface. Most galls were induced by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), however galls of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, and Hymenoptera wera also found. These are the known patterns in Brazil. The secondary fauna was reported in 62 gall morphotypes and included parasitoids (Hymenoptera), successors (Collembola, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera), cecidophagous (Lepidoptera), and predators (spiders). Parasitoids were the most frequent. Seven gall midge species are recorded for the first time in this Park.

The impact of climate changes on the ranges of invertebrates (Diptera, Molluska) in Tavush province of Armenia

Aim. The work’s aim is to study the species composition of invertebrates (Insecta, Molluska) of the Tavush province of Armenia and changes of their ranges due to climatic conditions.Material and Methods. Our own collections of 2021–2022 from different areas of the Tavush province and the collections of invertebrates of the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology served as study material. The collection and identification of dipterous insects and mollusks was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The work was performed at the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology The scientific material is stored in the collection fund of the Scientific Centre.Results. As a result of our studies of invertebrate species composition, 28 species of horseflies (Tabanidae) are currently listed for the Tavush region: 27 species of phytophagous gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) and 10 species of mollusks. As a result of warming climate change new changes of locality have been registered for: 6 horsefly species S. (N.) caucasicus, Ch. (H.) f. flavipes, Ch. ludens, T. unifasciatus, T. indrae vappa, T. miki; 4 phytophagous gall midge species A. verbasci, D. tortrix, S. euphorbiae, R. terminalis; For one species of mollusk, H. buchi, there are new localities. All these species have expanded their habitat: in horseflies, changes in the range along vertical zonality are observed.Conclusions. As a result of this research, it was revealed that as a consequences of climate change, the ranges of some species of invertebrates – horseflies, gall midges‐phytophages and mollusks – have expanded compared to the data of previous years. All species in which there is a direct dependence of range change on climatic conditions can be further considered as bioindicators of climate change.

A new species of Contarinia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from flower galls on the relict tree Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae) endemic to Crete (Greece).

Contarinia ampelitsiae n. sp. Dorchin & Fazan is described as a newly discovered gall-midge species (Diptera: Cecidoymiidae) forming galls in flowers of Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae), a tree species endemic to the Mediterranean island of Crete (Greece). Larvae develop within modified filaments of male flowers, contrary to many Contarinia species that develop freely in flowers or in simple flower galls. The species has one generation per year, and its galls are sometimes found in great numbers on individual trees, thus affecting both fruit quantity and weight. This is the first report of a gall midge from Zelkova and the first record of Contarinia from Ulmaceae. Based on its host-plant association and on the barcoding section of the mtCOI gene, this species has no obvious relatives within Contarinia.

Pseudasphondylia ishigakiensis, a new gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Japan developing in flower buds of Melicope triphylla (Rutaceae), with notes on its life history

Pseudasphondylia ishigakiensis, a new gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Japan developing in flower buds of Melicope triphylla (Rutaceae), with notes on its life history

A new genus and species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiidi) with notes on adult cecidomyiid mouthparts and their terminology.

Camillemyia prominens Gagné, gen. n. et sp. n., (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae; Cecidomyiinae) is described for a gall midge from Mexico with an extremely elongate neck and proboscis. The external and internal basic composition of the proboscis of Cecidomyiidae, as exemplified by Cecidomyia resinicola Osten Sacken, is reviewed to help understand the structural changes found in Cam. prominens as compared to those of Contarinia prolixa Gagné & Byers, another species with spectacularly modified mouthparts.

Trait variability in diaspores and fruits of Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae) across its distribution range

In the tree genus Zelkova (Ulmaceae), diaspores show a unique morphology amongst woody angiosperms. Shoots with leaves and fruits detach and act as flying dispersal units. Surprisingly little attention has been given to these structures, and it is unknown whether the characteristics of these diaspores vary amongst species or within the range of a single species. The endemic Cretan Z. abelicea (Lam.) Boiss. is one of two Zelkova species occurring at the western end of the distribution range of the genus. This relict species grows in a typical Mediterranean climate, in conditions completely different from the warm and moist climate that occurred during the apogee of the genus in the Paleogene, or that are still found for the three East Asiatic species of the genus. Here we studied for the first time the characteristics of diaspores, including fruit traits, of Z. abelicea across the whole range of the species. We showed that most traits are very variable amongst individual trees but less so between mountain ranges and that only diaspore stem length and proportion of sound seeds per diaspore and per tree vary significantly amongst mountain ranges. We showed that trees from central and eastern Crete produce extremely low to null proportions of sound seeds and that those trees oftentimes are smaller and have shorter diaspores with less leaves and fruits. Furthermore, we found that diaspores that were severely affected by a gall midge species (Cecidomyiidae) produced less fruits, but that seed soundness was not significantly impacted by the presence or absence of the galls. The very low proportion of sound seeds found in central and eastern Crete raises concern about the long-term persistency and regeneration of the species in those areas.

Una nueva especie de mosquito agallador 𝐴𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑒𝑛𝑎 sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) causando agallas sobre 𝐿𝑒𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑒𝑛𝑎 spp. (Caesalpiniaceae) en México

𝐴𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑒𝑛𝑎 Skuhravá n. sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is described from Mexico. Galls occurs in flower buttons deforming the fruits of Leucaena diversifolia and L. leucocephala galls (Fabaceae). The presence of these galls make it impossible to form fruitsand cause the death of the branch. Male, female, larva, pupa, and gall are described, and the biology is commented. This new species is only gall midge species known on Leucaenagenus.

Gagnemyia, A New Genus of Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Galling Flowers of Alstonia Actinophylla (Apocynaceae) in Northern Australia

A new species of gall midge, Gagnemyia alstoniae Adair and Kolesik, is described from flower bud galls on milkwood tree Alstonia actinophylla (A. Cunn.) K. Schum. in far northern Australia. Galled flower buds fail to open and set seed. Larva, pupa, male, and female of the new species are described and illustrated. A new genus, Gagnemyia Adair and Kolesik, is proposed to contain the new species. Gagnemyia is tentatively placed in the tribe Clinodiplosini and is characterised by a robust aedeagus bearing asetose sensilla, an undivided male hypoproct that is wrapped around the aedeagus, a needle-like ovipositor, toothed tarsal claws and larval terminus bearing two pairs of corniform and two pairs of setiform papillae. This is the first record for Cecidomyiidae feeding on Apocynaceae in Australia.

Two New Species of Mutualistic Gall Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Responsible for the Pollination of Phyllanthus flexuosus (Phyllanthaceae) and Using Its Male Flower Buds as Brood-Sites

Two new species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae) associated with male flower buds of Phyllanthus flexuosus (Phyllanthaceae) are described and illustrated. Clinodiplosis gagnei Elsayed, new species, induces male flower bud galls, whereas Macrolabis katoi Elsayed, new species, is an inquiline. Females of both species visit the host plant at flowering in search of suitable oviposition sites and, in doing so, become dusted with pollen of the opened male flowers and come in contact with the stigmas of female flowers. Larvae of both gall midge species overwinter in the ground, and each has only one generation per year. This is the first report of the genus Macrolabis in Japan.

Phytophagous gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) of Dagestan: fauna, biology and distribution

Aim. Based on original and bibliographic data, to compile a review of the fauna of gall midges in Dagestan, Russia, including information about host plants, gall formation, life cycles and distribution.Materials and Methods. The basis for the work were materials collected in the flat and mountainous parts of Dagestan. Standard methods were used: inspection of the plants, search and mass collection of galls and damage to plants in which larvae develop; rearing imago; making permanent preparations of larvae and adults.Results. For the first time, an overview of the gall midges of Dagestan is offered. 67 species of gall midges of 41 genera were identified, of which 39 species are new to Dagestan, including 13 species new to the Caucasus: Asphondylia hornigi Wachtl, 1880, A. menthae Kieffer, 1902, A. salviaflorae Fedotova, 2003, Lasioptera eryngii (Vallot, 1829), Rosomyia spiraeae Fedotova, 1987, Dracunculomyia saissanica Fedotova, 1999, Dasineura plicatrix (Loew, 1850), D. sisymbrii (Schrank, 1803), D. trifolii (Löw, 1874), D. tamaricicarpa Fedotova, 1983, Asiodiplosis hodukini Marikovskij, 1965, A. petrosimoniae (Fedotova, 1994), Seriphidomyia butakovi Fedotova, 2000. Of these the last 4 are new to Russia. Phytophage gall midges (64 species of 36 genera) were found on plants belonging to 23 families, 46 genera and 56 species. Of the 36 genera of gall midges, 28 (77.8%) are plant‐specific to plant families, including 9 out of 28 (32.1%) monotypic. The fauna is based on the Western Palearctic and Turanian species.Conclusion. A preliminary review of gall midges in Dagestan in comparison with data on adjacent territories, indicates a very poor study of gall midges in general. Identification of the species diversity and trophic relationships of gall midges which develop on adventitious, invasive and economically important plants of the Caucasus is relevant both for protected natural areas and recreational areas.

Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

The first checklist of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in the state of Santa Catarina (SC) is organized based on literature review. Species distribution, discussion regarding endemism, and a list of host plants in the state are provided for the first time. We compare the composition of cecidomyiid species with other states of Brazil. Twenty-three species of gall midges occur in SC, all gall-inducers. They are distributed in 14 genera, being Lopesia Rübsaamen, 1908 and Bruggmannia Tavares, 1906 the best represented. The most speciose genera of Cecidomyiidae in SC are among the most speciose in Brazil, so this result matches the Brazilian pattern. Cecidomyiids are associated with 18 host plant species distributed in 12 families. Although SC comprises a low percentage of the Brazilian fauna of Cecidomyiidae (8.7%), two species are known only from the state. The Sorensen`s index showed that the fauna of SC and São Paulo (SP) are the most similar to each other. The similarity of gall-inducing insects can be related to the host plant composition and phytogeographic domain.

A new species of gall midge (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) on Ouratea cuspidata (A.St.-Hil.) Engl. (Ochnaceae), a plant endemic to Brazil

Cerciplanus maricaensis, a new species of gall midge (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) that induces galls on leaves of Ouratea cuspidata (A.St.-Hil.) Engl. (Ochnaceae) is described in the larval, pupal and adult stages (of both sexes), illustrated and compared with the other congeneric species. The host plant is endemic to Brazil and known only from the Atlantic Forest. A key to segregate them is presented. Data on the geographical distribution of Cerciplanus maricaensis based on gall records retrieved from the literature are given.