Gall Midges and Wood Midges

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cecidomyiidae: /sɛˌsɪdoʊmaɪˈɪədiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as gall midges, are a diverse family of minute flies characterized by their unique larval feeding habits and ecological roles. They are notable for their delicate structure, the ability to produce galls on plants, and some exhibit unusual reproductive strategies such as paedogenesis.

Physical Characteristics

Minute to small (0.5–3.0 mm), rarely larger (up to 8 mm, wing length 15 mm) flies with a delicate appearance. They have long antennae with 12–14 segments, hairy wings, and slender, long legs. Larvae are often orange or yellow due to carotenoids.

Identification Tips

Look for minute flies with long legs, hairy wings, and long antennae, most commonly between 1-3 mm in length. Many species are gall makers, with larvae feeding within plant tissues.

Habitat

Commonly found in a variety of habitats where host plants are present; larvae typically develop within plant tissues or decaying matter.

Distribution

Well over 1000 species described in North America and approximately 6300 species worldwide. Estimated Canadian fauna contains ~1600 species.

Diet

Most larvae feed on plant tissues, creating galls. Some are predators or feed on decaying organic matter.

Life Cycle

Larvae undergo a paedogenetic reproduction phenomenon in certain species, allowing them to reproduce without maturing into adults. The larvae may sometimes consume the mother.

Reproduction

Reproductive methods include paedogenesis, where larvae can reproduce before reaching adulthood, and typical adult reproduction. Oviposition may occur in plant tissues, leading to gall formation.

Predators

Natural enemies include various parasitoids, specifically from families like Braconidae, Eulophidae, and others.

Ecosystem Role

Play a significant role in herbivory of plants and can affect plant health through gall formation; some species also contribute to biological control of pest populations.

Economic Impact

Certain species, like the Hessian fly, are significant agricultural pests affecting wheat and other crops. Others may assist in biological control programs as natural enemies of aphids and other pests.

Collecting Methods

• Malaise traps
• Hand collecting from host plants
• Sampling from decaying organic matter

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Alcohol preservation
• Drying

Evolution

Cecidomyiidae may represent one of the most diverse families in the animal kingdom, with a high potential for undiscovered species due to their ecological adaptations and reproductive strategies.

Similar Taxa

• Itonididae

Misconceptions

Some species are misunderstood as pests only; in reality, many serve important ecological functions, such as pest control.

Tags

• Cecidomyiidae
• gall midges
• insect diversity
• agricultural pests
• biological control