Planetella
Planetella is a of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in the Cecidomyiinae. Recent integrative taxonomic work on Central European has recognized 19 based on sequences, including 13 newly described species from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Denmark. The genus is monophyletic and placed in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi, with Acodiplosis and Putoniella as closest relatives.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Planetella: /plænəˈtɛlɑ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
-level identification requires examination of male terminalia and male flagellomeres, supported by sequence data (28S, 16S, COI). The is morphologically distinguished from related genera by features of the male genitalia and antennal structure, though specific diagnostic characters vary among species.
Distribution
Central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark); broader distribution in the Palaearctic Region. Four additional in the revision were represented only by larva, female or incomplete specimens, suggesting incomplete sampling of the 's full range.
Similar Taxa
- AcodiplosisClosest relative based on phylogenetic analysis; distinguished by morphological features of male terminalia and flagellomeres
- PutoniellaClosest relative based on phylogenetic analysis; distinguished by morphological features of male terminalia and flagellomeres
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Planetella was established by Westwood in 1840. The recent Central European revision (2023) represents the first comprehensive attempt to revise European , using integrative combining and molecular data. Four previously described species were recognized: P. arenariae, P. fasciata, P. gallarum, and P. granifex.
Phylogenetic placement
Analysis of four gene markers (18S, 28S, 16S, COI) confirms placement of Planetella within supertribe Cecidomyiidi of Cecidomyiinae. The tribe Hormomyiini, to which Planetella belongs, requires further delimitation.
Species diversity
High and intraspecific variation were documented in the Central European fauna. The 19 recognized were delimited using unique sequences, with detailed illustrations provided for male terminalia and flagellomeres of the four previously described species.