Asphondyliini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
Superfamily: Sciaroidea
Family: Cecidomyiidae
Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
Supertribe: Cecidomyiidi
Tribe: Asphondyliini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asphondyliini: /æsˌfɒndɪˈlaɪənaɪ/

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Images

Summary

Asphondyliini is a tribe of gall midges characterized by their gall-forming behavior and specific postabdominal structures, consisting of approximately 505 species across six genera.

Physical Characteristics

The Asphondyliini share unique morphological traits such as a distinctive female seventh sternite that is much longer than the previous sternite, a strongly sclerotized, wide, and laterally notched female eighth tergite, ventrally lengthened gonocoxites, and dorsally instead of apically disposed, short and compact gonostyli.

Identification Tips

Look for the unique female postabdominal structures which are indicative of the Asphondyliini.

Habitat

Asphondyliini are typically found in various habitats where their host plants are present, often associated with gall formation on those plants.

Distribution

The tribe is distributed across a wide range of environments where their host plants occur, but specific distribution details are not provided.

Diet

As gall midges, Asphondyliini likely feed on plant tissues, often creating galls during their larval stage.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Asphondyliini involves the typical stages of dipteran development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, with larvae developing within galls formed on host plants.

Reproduction

Asphondyliini exhibit typical insect reproduction, with oviposition often leading to gall formation on host plants where the larvae will develop.

Predators

Specific predator information is not provided, although it is common for insect predators to feed on gall midges and their larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Asphondyliini serve as both herbivores and as part of the food web, impacting plant health and serving as a food source for predators.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Net sweeping
Plant inspection for galls

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Pinned specimens
Slide mounting

Evolution

The tribe is considered monophyletic and shares primitive traits in antennae structure with other cecidomyiid flies.

Similar Taxa

Cecidomyiidae (gall midges)
Gall-making insects

Misconceptions

Oftentimes, gall makers like Asphondyliini are confused with pests, but they play crucial roles in ecosystems.