Lestodiplosis

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lestodiplosis: //ˌlɛstoʊdɪˈploʊsɪs//

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Summary

Lestodiplosis is a genus of gall midges known for their spotted wings and larval forms that inhabit plant galls, especially on bramble leaves, where they can create significant plant damage.

Physical Characteristics

Adults often have spotted wings, and sometimes striped legs. Larvae are white and can be found until early summer inside galls.

Identification Tips

Look for contorted, young bramble leaves with creased, pleated, or pluckered surfaces and black staining around galls.

Habitat

Larvae inhabit flower heads and leafy cecidomyiid galls, particularly in bramble plants.

Distribution

Common in Great Britain and found throughout Europe.

Diet

Larvae feed within the tissue of bramble leaves.

Life Cycle

There is debate on whether there is a single generation or several generations per year. The larvae drop out of galls and pupate in the soil.

Predators

Some species are mite predators; others prey on insects.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae are common inhabitants of galls, potentially influencing plant health and dynamics.

Collecting Methods

Netting adults from vegetation
Collecting galls from bramble plants

Preservation Methods

Pinning specimens
Storing larvae in alcohol

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Galls often overlooked as just crumpled leaves without recognizing the presence of the midge larvae.