Resseliella clavula

(Beutenmüller, 1892)

Dogwood Club Gall Midge, Dogwood Clubgall Midge

Resseliella clavula is a in the that induces distinctive -shaped on flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The is known to alter and architecture, causing infested trees to produce more flowers but fewer fruits. Galled branches exhibit increased branching and shortened internodes compared to ungalled branches.

Identification

Distinguished by its association with characteristic -shaped on flowering dogwood branches. The galls are succulent and tender when young, with visible latex ooze. are small, delicate typical of . are likely small and -like, though specific morphological details for this are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in forested and ornamental settings where this tree occurs.

Distribution

Eastern North America, corresponding to the range of its Cornus florida.

Seasonality

are visible and succulent in early summer; observations from Missouri indicate June activity for gall formation.

Host Associations

Cornus florida - flowering dogwood; induces -shaped on branches

Behavior

Induces formation on flowering dogwood branches. Gall formation leads to architectural changes in branches, including increased branching and shortened internodes. The manipulates host , causing increased flower production but decreased fruit set in infested trees.

Ecological Role

Acts as a -forming that modifies growth and reproductive output. Creates gall tissue that may provide for other organisms, though specific or for this are not documented.

Human Relevance

Considered an ornamental pest of flowering dogwood, a popular landscape tree. The are conspicuous but do not typically kill trees.

Similar Taxa

Resseliella maximaCongeneric soybean that also forms on stems, but on soybean (Glycine max) rather than dogwood; galls are not -shaped
Callirhytis clavulaUnrelated with similar-sounding specific epithet; forms hard oak later in the season, not succulent dogwood galls

More Details

Research Context

Most detailed ecological information comes from a 1996 Oikos study on effects. The has received less recent research attention compared to the congeneric soybean R. maxima, which has become a significant agricultural pest.