Black Locust Gall Midge

Obolodiplosis robiniae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
Superfamily: Sciaroidea
Family: Cecidomyiidae
Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
Supertribe: Cecidomyiidi
Tribe: Lopesiini
Genus: Obolodiplosis
Species: robiniae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Obolodiplosis robiniae: //ˌoʊbəloʊdɪˈploʊsɪs rɒˈbɪni.aɪ//

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

Images

Galmug1 by Ceinturion. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Obolodiplosis robiniae 149327192 by SK53. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Obolodiplosis robiniae (Cecidomyiidae) (Locust gall midge) - (gall), Molenhoek, the Netherlands by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Obolodiplosis robiniae 102995868 by Stephen James McWilliam. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Obolodiplosis robiniae (Cecidomyiidae) - (gall), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Obolodiplosis robiniae 2254 by Gilles San Martin. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Obolodiplosis robiniae, or the black locust gall midge, is a gall-inducing insect native to North America and has been introduced to Europe. It induces galls on the leaves of the black locust tree, impacting the tree's foliage.

Physical Characteristics

Small, slender midge; larvae induce galls on leaves.

Identification Tips

Look for galls on black locust leaves; adults are small and may be overlooked due to their size.

Habitat

Primarily associated with black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia) in forested or urban areas.

Distribution

Native to North America, introduced to northeastern Italy in 2003, and has since spread throughout Europe.

Diet

Larvae feed on the tissues of black locust leaves, inducing gall formation.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval (gall-inducing), pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproduces through laying eggs on the leaves of black locust, leading to gall formation where larvae develop.

Predators

Predators may include birds and insects that prey on the larvae or adults.

Ecosystem Role

As a gall midge, it may play a role in the dynamics of the black locust ecosystem but can also affect the health of host trees.

Economic Impact

Potential negative impact on black locust trees if populations are high, but no significant economic impact reported.

Collecting Methods

Hand collection of galls or adults from host plants.
Trap collection using pheromone traps.

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation for larvae and adults.
Drying specimens for entomological collections.

Evolution

Obolodiplosis robiniae represents a monotypic lineage within the Cecidomyiidae family, indicating a specialized adaptation to its host plant.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse this midge with other gall-inducing insects; it is specifically associated with black locust trees.