Asphondylia antennariae

(Wheeler, 1889)

Asphondylia antennariae is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae. The larvae induce galls on the buds of Antennaria plantaginifolia, a plantain-leaved pussytoes. First described by William Morton Wheeler in 1889, this has been documented in Wisconsin and Maine, though its plant ranges widely across eastern North America.

Asphondylia antennariae 1 by Mathew Zappa. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asphondylia antennariae: /æs.fɒnˈdɪl.iə ænˌtɛnˈɛəriˌaɪ/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Asphondylia by its specific association with Antennaria plantaginifolia bud galls. The galls themselves are the primary field indicator—abnormal swellings or distortions on the buds of this plant. Similar gall midges on other Antennaria species or related Asteraceae would require rearing for definitive identification.

Images

Habitat

Associated with open, dry where Antennaria plantaginifolia grows, including prairies, meadows, and rocky or sandy soils. The plant itself colonizes disturbed and open ground.

Distribution

Documented from Wisconsin and Maine in the United States. The plant Antennaria plantaginifolia is widespread in eastern North America, suggesting potential broader distribution of the .

Seasonality

emerge in spring when Antennaria plantaginifolia is in bloom and producing new buds. Larval development occurs through the growing season, with winter or slow development in the gall. and adult complete the cycle the following spring.

Diet

Larva feeds on tissue of developing Antennaria plantaginifolia buds, inducing gall formation. The gall provides both nutrition and shelter.

Host Associations

Antennaria plantaginifolia - gall inductionSpecific ; larvae induce galls on buds

Life Cycle

laid in developing bud of plant in spring. Larva hatches and feeds within bud tissue, inducing gall formation. Larva develops through summer, in gall. occurs in spring; emerges to mate and oviposit into new buds.

Ecological Role

Acts as a gall inducer, manipulating plant tissue to create a protected feeding environment. The galls represent a form of plant that may affect bud development and flowering in the host.

Similar Taxa

Asphondylia ilicicolaAnother Asphondylia inducing fruit galls on Ilex opaca; distinguished by plant (holly vs. pussytoes) and gall location (berry vs. bud)
Other Asphondylia spp.Numerous induce galls on diverse plants; identification requires host association and often morphological examination

More Details

Gall biology

Like other Asphondylia , the mechanism of gall induction involves salivary secretions that manipulate plant , causing localized tissue proliferation. The specific chemistry remains unknown.

Taxonomic history

Described by William Morton Wheeler in 1889, making it among the earlier documented North American gall midges. The specific epithet antennariae directly references its .