Asphondylia websteri

Felt, 1917

alfalfa gall midge

Asphondylia websteri, commonly known as the alfalfa gall midge, is a of gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae. Like other members of its , this species induces gall formation on plants. Research has documented its association with numerous native American plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. The species was described by Felt in 1917.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asphondylia websteri: /æsˈfɒndɪliə ˈwɛbstəraɪ/

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Identification

This can be identified by its gall formations on plants. are small, mosquito-like flies typical of the Cecidomyiidae. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing A. websteri from other Asphondylia species require examination of adult and gall characteristics on confirmed host plants.

Habitat

Associated with native American plants, particularly in open where such as ragweeds (Ambrosia), sunflowers (Helianthus), and rosinweeds (Silphium) occur.

Distribution

Ranges of its native American plant ; documented from collections and rearing records across North America where host plants are present.

Host Associations

  • Ambrosia artemisiifolia - gall common ragweed
  • Ambrosia trifida - gall giant ragweed
  • Iva xanthifolia - gall marsh elder
  • Iva annua - gall marsh elder
  • Xanthium strumarium - gall cocklebur
  • Helianthus annuus - gall common sunflower
  • Helianthus grosseserratus - gall sawtooth sunflower
  • Helianthus maximiliani - gall Maximilian sunflower
  • Helianthus tuberosus - gall Jerusalem artichoke
  • Coreopsis tinctoria - gall plains coreopsis
  • Ratibida columnifera - gall prairie coneflower
  • Silphium laciniatum - gall compass plant
  • Silphium perfoliatum - gall cup plant
  • Silphium terebinthinaceum - gall prairie dock
  • Silphium integrifolium - gall rosinweed
  • Verbesina encelioides - gall cowpen daisy

Life Cycle

Multiple per year with overlapping . Larvae develop within galls on plant stems, leaves, or flower . emerge to mate and deposit in developing plant tissues, continuing the cycle.

Behavior

Forms galls on plant tissues. The mechanism involves the female laying in actively growing plant parts, with larval secretions or maternal fluids inducing abnormal plant growth that provides shelter and food for the developing larva.

Ecological Role

Acts as a gall inducer on native plants, potentially influencing plant growth and resource allocation. The galls provide for the larvae and may affect plant .

Similar Taxa

  • Asphondylia ilicicolaBoth are Asphondylia that induce galls on plant reproductive structures, but A. ilicicola specifically attacks holly berries while A. websteri is associated with herbaceous Asteraceae .
  • Other Asphondylia speciesNumerous induce galls on diverse plants; accurate identification requires host plant association and morphological examination.

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