Gall Midges

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cecidomyiinae: /sɛsɪdoʊˈmɪɪɪniː/

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Summary

Cecidomyiinae, or Gall Midges, is the largest subfamily of Cecidomyiidae, characterized by gall formation on plants. This group consists of over 600 genera and more than 5000 described species, playing critical ecological roles and demonstrating significant diversity.

Physical Characteristics

Adults have Rs absent (except for the four species of Stomatosematidi) and basitarsus much shorter than the second segment of tarsus.

Identification Tips

Species can be distinguished by male genitalia, the number of antennal segments, and bristles on the larval abdomen.

Habitat

Gall Midges are primarily associated with plant galls, but many species are found in various ecosystems as fungivores, parasitoids, or predators.

Distribution

Over 1,000 species in North America, with various species distributed among different supertribes.

Diet

Many members induce galls on plants; others are fungivores, parasitoids, or predators as maggots.

Ecosystem Role

Gall-forming members can significantly influence plant health and ecosystems, as well as act within the food web as predators or prey.

Collecting Methods

• Netting adults during their active periods
• Collecting galls from host plants

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens for morphological studies
• Storing samples in ethanol for molecular analysis

Evolution

The Cecidomyiinae are monophyletic and represent a diverse evolutionary lineage within the Cecidomyiidae family.

Similar Taxa

• Cecidomyiidae
• Diversity of insects within the Diptera order

Misconceptions

Some may confuse gall midges with other small flies or gnats; they are specific to galls and exhibit unique traits.

Tags

• Gall Midges
• Cecidomyiinae
• Insecta
• Diptera
• Ecology
• Entomology