Cecidomyiidi
Cecidomyiidi
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
- Superfamily: Sciaroidea
- Family: Cecidomyiidae
- Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
- Supertribe: Cecidomyiidi
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cecidomyiidi: //sɛˌsɪdoʊmaɪˈaɪəˌdaɪ//
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Summary
Cecidomyiidi is a supertribe within the subfamily Cecidomyiinae, which includes various tribes known for their diverse feeding habits, including gall formation on plants.
Physical Characteristics
Typically 12 flagellomeres. Male flagellomeres are binodal (except in most Asphondyliini) with looped circumfila. Females have cylindrical flagellomeres. Adults have a long, narrow lobe at the top of the head behind the eyes, bearing a pair of large proclinate setae. Female cerci are free, closely appressed, or reduced. The aedeagus is free and more sclerotized than in the Lasiopteridi. Larval ventral papillae are generally asetose.
Identification Tips
Species can be distinguished by characteristics of male genitalia, number of antennal segments, and presence of bristles on larval abdomen.
Distribution
64 Nearctic genera documented as of 1973.
Diet
Members include gall makers, fungus feeders, and predators.
Ecosystem Role
Gall midges and their larvae play key roles as gall makers and fungus feeders in various ecosystems.
Evolution
Cecidomyiinae is monophyletic and represents the largest subfamily within Cecidomyiidae, encompassing over 600 genera and more than 5000 described species.
Tags
- Cecidomyiidae
- Cecidomyiinae
- gall midges
- Diptera
- insects