Contarinia virginianiae

(Felt, 1906)

chokecherry midge, chokecherry gall midge

Contarinia virginianiae is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The larvae feed on developing fruit, causing enlargement and hollowing of the fruit into a pear-shaped gall. The species was described by Felt in 1906 and occurs in northern North America where its plant is native.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Contarinia virginianiae: //ˌkɒntəˈrɪniə vɜrˌdʒɪniˈeɪniˌaɪiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Contarinia by its specific association with chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) fruit galls. The gall itself is diagnostic: pear-shaped, hollow, enlarged fruit that changes from green to red as it develops, with aborted seed. Normal berries may occur alongside galls in the same fruit cluster. The presence of tiny yellowish-orange to dark orange larvae inside the hollow fruit confirms identity.

Habitat

Associated with chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) in areas where this plant grows. Specific requirements beyond host presence not documented.

Distribution

Northern North America. Documented from Vermont and other parts of the United States. Distribution corresponds to the range of its plant, Prunus virginiana, which is native to northern North America.

Seasonality

Larval feeding occurs from spring through late July. emerge in spring. occurs in soil after larvae drop from galls in late July.

Diet

Larvae feed on developing chokecherry fruit, specifically on the ovary tissues that would normally develop into seed. Feeding prevents normal kernel development and causes fruit enlargement and hollowing.

Host Associations

Prunus virginiana - obligate Chokecherry; the only known . Galls form on developing fruit.

Life Cycle

laid in developing chokecherry fruit. Larvae hatch and feed on fruit tissues, inducing gall formation. Larval feeding continues until late July, when mature larvae drop to the ground to pupate in soil. occurs in soil. emerge the following spring. One per year.

Behavior

Larvae feed gregariously within the hollow gall. When mature, larvae exit the gall and drop to the ground to pupate. The damaged, hollow fruit often drops from the plant before normal berries ripen.

Ecological Role

Acts as a fruit of chokecherry, reducing seed production of the plant. The galls provide a protected microhabitat for larval development. Ecological impacts on host plant or broader effects not documented.

Human Relevance

Minor economic or horticultural significance. Not known to be a managed pest. May affect chokecherry fruit production in wild or cultivated settings, but no documented control efforts found.

Similar Taxa

Contarinia sorghicolaFormerly placed in Contarinia (now Stenodiplosis sorghicola), this also induces fruit galls on grain crops. Distinguished by association (sorghum vs. chokecherry) and geographic distribution (sorghum midge occurs in southern and central United States, particularly Texas, while C. virginianiae occurs in northern regions).
Other Contarinia speciesNumerous Contarinia induce galls on various plants. Identification to species level requires plant association and gall ; C. virginianiae is specifically tied to chokecherry fruit galls.

More Details

Gall development

The gall forms as a direct result of larval feeding on the developing fruit. Initially green, the gall turns red as it matures, mimicking normal fruit coloration. The hollow interior distinguishes it from healthy fruit.

Taxonomic note

The epithet 'virginianiae' refers to the plant Prunus virginiana, not the U.S. state of Virginia.