Contarinia zauschneriae

(Felt, 1912)

California fuchsia gall midge

Contarinia zauschneriae is a that induces distinctive roselle-form on Epilobium canum (California fuchsia), a flowering to western North America. The species was first described by Ephraim Felt in 1912 based on specimens collected in the Puente Hills near Whittier, California. The galls are structurally complex, mimicking rosebuds in both form and coloration.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Contarinia zauschneriae: /kɒnˌtæɹɪˈniːə zaʊʃˈnɪəriːeɪ/

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

Identification

The is identified primarily by its -specific on Epilobium canum. The galls are roselle-form galls approximately 25 mm high and 15 mm in diameter, with red coloration on the upper half and green- at the base, resembling a rosebud.

Images

Habitat

Associated with Epilobium canum (California fuchsia), which grows in dry, rocky slopes and chaparral of western North America.

Distribution

Western North America. The locality is the Puente Hills near Whittier, California. The Epilobium canum ranges from Oregon to Baja California and east to Utah and Arizona.

Diet

feed on tissue induced on Epilobium canum. Specific feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Epilobium canum - Induces roselle-form on this . Formerly placed in Zauschneria, which gives the its epithet.

Life Cycle

The complete has not been documented for this . As a , it presumably has , larval, pupal, and stages with larval development occurring within the tissue.

Ecological Role

Acts as a -former on Epilobium canum, creating specialized structures that provide shelter and nutrition for larval development. The ecological impact on plant has not been quantified.

Similar Taxa

Contarinia nasturtiiAnother Contarinia that forms , but on Brassicaceae () rather than Onagraceae. The association distinguishes these species.
Other Contarinia speciesMany Contarinia are -formers with narrow . Accurate identification requires examination of and gall .

More Details

Nomenclature note

The specific epithet 'zauschneriae' references the former generic name Zauschneria for the , now classified as Epilobium canum.

Type specimen

The series was collected by on September 24, 1910, in the Puente Hills, near Whittier, Los Angeles County, California.