Resseliella clavula
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
- Superfamily: Sciaroidea
- Family: Cecidomyiidae
- Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
- Supertribe: Cecidomyiidi
- Genus: Resseliella
- Species: clavula
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Resseliella clavula: /rɛˌsɛliˈɛl.la kləˈvu.la/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Resseliella clavula, known as the dogwood club gall midge, induces galls on flowering dogwood plants, particularly observed as smooth enlargements on branches. Identification is uncertain without further larval analysis.
Physical Characteristics
Smooth, clublike enlargement just below the bud in apical branches of flowering dogwood.
Identification Tips
Galls on flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) are characteristic of this species; however, confirmation may require examination of larvae.
Habitat
Primarily associated with flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).
Diet
Insect larvae feed on plant tissues within galls.
Life Cycle
Larvae develop within galls, emerging as adults in spring.
Reproduction
Exact reproductive habits are not specified; likely follows standard insect model with adult emergence leading to mating and oviposition.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a herbivore within its host plant, impacting plant growth and development through gall formation.
Collecting Methods
- Visual inspection of galls on host plants.
- Larval collection from galls.
Preservation Methods
- Preservation in ethanol.
- Slide mounting for microscopic examination.
Similar Taxa
- Other species of gall midge in Cecidomyiidae.
Misconceptions
Not all dogwood stem galls on BugGuide may represent this species; confirmation is necessary through larval examination.
Tags
- Resseliella clavula
- dogwood club gall midge
- Cecidomyiidae
- galls
- Cornus florida