Caryomyia caryae

(Osten Sacken, 1862)

Hickory Sticky Globe Gall Midge

Caryomyia caryae is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive globular galls on hickory leaves. The is one of several gall-forming insects associated with Carya species in eastern North America. Like other cecidomyiids, it manipulates plant tissue development through chemical secretions to create protective structures for its larvae.

Caryomyia caryae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Kranz. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Caryomyia caryae: //ˌkæri.oʊˈmaɪ.a ˈkɛəri.aɪ//

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Identification

The galls of Caryomyia caryae are small, globular structures with a pointed tip, typically found on the undersides of hickory leaves. These sticky galls can be distinguished from other hickory galls by their compact spherical shape and point. Similar galls formed by Phylloxera on hickory tend to be larger, more irregular, or located on different plant parts such as petioles and leaf .

Images

Habitat

Associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.), particularly in deciduous forest where trees occur.

Distribution

Eastern North America, where hickory are native.

Seasonality

and gall formation occur during spring when hickory leaf buds break and new foliage develops.

Host Associations

Carya - gall induction on leavesForms galls on leaf undersides; specific hickory not documented in available sources

Ecological Role

As a gall inducer, the creates novel microhabitats on hickory leaves. These galls may provide shelter for other organisms and represent a form of plant-insect interaction that, while diverting resources, typically causes minimal harm to established trees.

Similar Taxa

Phylloxera caryaecaulisAlso forms galls on hickory, but produces larger, more irregular globular galls typically on leaf petioles and rather than leaf undersides; belongs to a different insect order (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha vs. Diptera)

More Details

Gall morphology

The specific epithet 'caryae' reflects the -level association with Carya. The 'sticky globe' refers to the gall's texture and shape.