Contarinia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Contarinia: //ˌkɒn.təˈrɪ.ni.ə//

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Summary

Contarinia is a genus of midges within the Cecidomyiidae family, comprising over 300 species. They exhibit diverse ecologies, with many being herbivorous larvae that attack various plant parts, while some adults have a fungivorous diet, engaging in pollination mutualism with host plants.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Contarinia are flies with hairy wings and long antennae. Males have antennal flagellomeres that are binodose, each node surrounded by one circumfilum. The palpi are four-segmented and the tarsal claws of the legs are simple. The wing costal vein is interrupted after uniting with the radius or third vein.

Identification Tips

Look for the hairy wings, long antennae, and the specific structure of the male antennal flagellomeres, as well as the interrupted wing costal vein.

Habitat

Inflorescences and fruit of various host plants, typically in agricultural or natural settings.

Distribution

Over 300 described species worldwide, with occurrences in various regions dependent on host plants.

Diet

Many larvae are herbivorous, attacking inflorescences, fruits, or buds of plants; some adults are fungivorous, particularly feeding on mycelia of Choanephora fungus.

Life Cycle

Larvae hatch from eggs, develop while feeding on their host (either plants or fungi), pupate, and emerge as adults.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs typically in or near inflorescences or host plants, with larvae developing while feeding on the host material or associated fungi.

Ecosystem Role

Some species are known pollinators, particularly those associated with A. integer, and can influence plant population dynamics as herbivorous pests.

Economic Impact

Includes several crop pests that can negatively impact agriculture, especially in relation to cruciferous plants, citrus, legumes, and stone fruit.

Collecting Methods

• Malaise traps
• Sticky traps
• Hand collection from host plants

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol
• Drying

Tags

• Cecidomyiidae
• Midges
• Crop pests
• Pollinators