Karshomyia
Felt, 1908
Karshomyia is a of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) established by Felt in 1908. The genus includes mycetophagous that feed on fungi. Karshomyia caulicola, the white-mold gall midge, has been documented in association with Sclerotinia-infected soybean in the northern United States and Canada. The genus is distinguished from related by morphological features typical of the Cecidomyiinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Karshomyia: /ˌkarʃoʊˈmaɪə/
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Identification
Members of Karshomyia are small, delicate flies with the reduced wing venation characteristic of Cecidomyiidae. The can be distinguished from the soybean pest Resseliella maxima by its association with fungal rather than direct plant gall formation. Specific diagnostic features for the genus require examination of antennal structure, palpal segmentation, and larval .
Habitat
Agricultural fields, specifically soybean fields with fungal presence. At least one , K. caulicola, is associated with plants infected by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
Distribution
Documented from the northern soybean-producing region of North America, with confirmed records from Minnesota, North Dakota (United States), and Québec (Canada). GBIF indicates additional records from Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden) though specific identifications are not confirmed from the provided sources.
Diet
Mycetophagous. Karshomyia caulicola feeds on the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
Host Associations
- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum - food sourcefungal for K. caulicola
- Glycine max - soybean plants infected with Sclerotinia serve as the site where the is found
Behavior
Presence in soybean fields complicates field identification and monitoring for the economically important soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima.
Ecological Role
Fungivore in agricultural . May serve as a biological indicator of Sclerotinia in soybean crops.
Human Relevance
Not a direct pest of soybean plants. Its presence creates challenges for programs by interfering with accurate detection and assessment of the soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima.
Similar Taxa
- Resseliella maximaBoth occur in soybean fields and may be confused during field surveys; Resseliella maxima is a damaging gall-forming pest, while Karshomyia are mycetophagous and associated with fungal rather than plant tissue damage
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was established by E.P. Felt in 1908. GBIF records suggest a broader distribution than the North American agricultural records, but the source material does not confirm whether these represent the same or congeneric .