Schizomyia umbellicola
(Osten Sacken, 1878)
Elderberry Gall Midge
Schizomyia umbellicola is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on elderberry (Sambucus ). The species was first described by Osten Sacken in 1878. As a member of the Schizomyia, it shares the characteristic of forming distinctive plant galls during larval development. The 'Elderberry Gall Midge' reflects its specific association with elderberry .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Schizomyia umbellicola: /ˌskɪzoʊˈmaɪə ˌʌmbɛˈlɪkələ/
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Habitat
Associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus ), which grow in moist, disturbed including roadsides, forest edges, riparian zones, and abandoned fields.
Distribution
North America; documented in the United States based on original description and subsequent records.
Host Associations
- Sambucus - gall inductionElderberry; specific tissues include flower umbels based on epithet 'umbellicola'
Ecological Role
As a gall inducer, modifies plant tissue development to create protected larval chambers; represents a form of plant-insect interaction that may influence plant and local structure through provision of gall microhabitats.
Similar Taxa
- Other Schizomyia speciesMultiple Schizomyia induce galls on Sambucus; S. umbellicola may be distinguished by gall location on flower umbels rather than stems or leaves, though specific diagnostic features require examination.
- Dasineura sambuciAnother cecidomyiid that forms galls on elderberry; D. sambuci produces leaf-edge galls rather than flower umbel galls.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'umbellicola' derives from Latin 'umbella' (small umbel, referring to the flower cluster) and 'cola' (dweller/inhabitant), indicating the ' association with elderberry flower umbels.
Taxonomic history
Original description by Osten Sacken in 1878; GBIF records an alternative authorship date of 1870 which may represent a nomenclatural correction or data entry variation.