Pine Pitch Midges

Cecidomyia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
Superfamily: Sciaroidea
Family: Cecidomyiidae
Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
Supertribe: Cecidomyiidi
Tribe: Cecidomyiini
Genus: Cecidomyia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cecidomyia: //ˌsɛsɪdoʊˈmaɪə//

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Summary

Cecidomyia is a genus of gall midges within the tribe Cecidomyiini, known commonly as pine pitch midges, which induce galls and reside in the resin of conifer trees.

Habitat

Larvae live in resin on branches, twigs, and needles of pines and a few other conifers; one species lives in cones.

Diet

Larvae feed on the resin of host plants, primarily pines.

Ecosystem Role

Gall-inducing insects, playing a role in the ecological dynamics of their coniferous habitats.

Evolution

The genus Cecidomyia was described by Meigen in 1803, with earlier literature using the name Itonida for similar insects.

Similar Taxa

Itonida (suppressed)
Cecidomyiinae

Misconceptions

In the 19th century, some galls were described as Cecidomyia although the responsible insects were not always Diptera.