Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua

Osten Sacken, 1878

Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae, first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1878. The larvae induce galls in the flower of cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), developing within distinct zones of the capitulum tissue. This species serves as to a diverse guild of that exhibit stratified distribution patterns within the gall structure, with different parasitoid species occupying different depth zones.

Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua imported from iNaturalist photo 471663 on 24 September 2022 by (c) Fluff Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua: /æsˌfɒnˈdɪliə ruːdˌbɛkiːəˈkɒnˌspɪk.juə/

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

Identification

Galls appear in flower of Rudbeckia laciniata; specific gall and features not described in available sources. Distinguished from other Asphondylia by plant association with Rudbeckia laciniata.

Images

Habitat

Flower (capitula) of cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata); galls induced in capitulum tissue with larvae developing in distinct central and peripheral zones.

Distribution

North America; specific range details not documented in available sources.

Seasonality

Multiple per year suggested by seasonal patterns of occurrence; and oviposition timed with Rudbeckia flowering period.

Diet

Larvae feed on plant tissue within induced galls on Rudbeckia laciniata flower .

Host Associations

Rudbeckia laciniata - plantcutleaf coneflower; galls induced in flower
Torymus umbilicatus - occupies specific depth zone within gall
Ormyrus labotus - occupies specific depth zone within gall
Eurytoma gigantea - occupies specific depth zone within gall
Eurytoma obtusiventris - occupies specific depth zone within gall
Rileya americana - occupies specific depth zone within gall
Tetrastichus - level identification; of gall midge larvae
Platygaster - level identification; of gall midge larvae

Life Cycle

Larval development occurs within galls in Rudbeckia laciniata flower ; larvae occupy distinct zones within gall (central vs. peripheral tissue). Multiple per year suggested by seasonal occurrence patterns. occurs within gall; emerge to mate and oviposit into developing flower heads.

Behavior

Induces gall formation in plant flower through female oviposition; larvae develop in stratified zones within galls, creating resource partitioning opportunities for associated guild. Central zone larvae appear to experience lower rates than peripheral zone larvae.

Ecological Role

Acts as for diverse guild; gall formation creates structure supporting multiple parasitoid with partitioning by depth within gall. Contributes to trophic complexity in plant-insect-parasitoid .

Similar Taxa

Asphondylia ilicicolacongeneric gall midge , but induces galls in holly berries (Ilex opaca) rather than Rudbeckia flower ; differs in plant and gall location

More Details

Parasitoid guild structure

Research has documented that of A. rudbeckiaeconspicua exhibit stratified distribution patterns within galls, with different occupying characteristic positions. This creates a complex structure with partitioning by depth within the gall tissue.