Asphondylia diervillae
Felt, 1907
Asphondylia diervillae is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae. It is one of approximately 15 of Asphondylia flies that induce galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The larvae develop within plant tissue, manipulating plant development to form protective galls.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asphondylia diervillae: //æs.fɒnˈdɪl.jə daɪ.ərˈvɪl.i//
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Habitat
Associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) in arid and semi-arid environments, including desert scrublands and Mojave Desert .
Distribution
Southwestern United States and Mexico, within the range of its plant Larrea tridentata.
Diet
Larvae feed internally on plant tissue within galls on creosote bush.
Host Associations
- Larrea tridentata - plantInduces galls on creosote bush
Life Cycle
females lay in creosote bush tissue. Larvae develop within galls, feeding on plant material. occurs within the gall, with adults emerging to continue the cycle.
Behavior
Induces gall formation on creosote bush through chemical manipulation of plant tissue.
Ecological Role
Contributes to gall-forming insect on creosote bush. Multiple Asphondylia co-occur on this , potentially partitioning gall-forming .
Similar Taxa
- Asphondylia ilicicolaBoth are Asphondylia that induce galls, but A. ilicicola occurs on American holly (Ilex opaca) in eastern North America rather than creosote bush in the Southwest.
- Other Asphondylia spp. on creosoteApproximately 15 Asphondylia form galls on creosote bush; these likely differ in gall , location on plant, or seasonal timing, though specific distinguishing features for A. diervillae are not documented in available sources.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
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