Acericecis ocellaris
(Osten Sacken, 1862)
ocellate gall midge, maple eyespot gall, maple leaf spot gall
Acericecis ocellaris is a gall midge that induces distinctive blister-like eyespot galls on maple leaves. The galls feature concentric rings of yellow and red pigments surrounding a central chamber where the larva feeds. This is the type species of the Acericecis and was first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862. It completes a single per year, with emerging in spring to mate and oviposit on young maple foliage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acericecis ocellaris: /ˌeɪˌsɛrɪˈsiːs oʊˈsɛlərɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other maple-feeding gall midges by the distinctive ocellate (eyespot) gall with concentric color rings. The galls are (not projecting on stalks) and located on the upper leaf surface. Similar maple gall midges produce different gall types: spindle galls, bladder galls, or simple spots without the characteristic red and yellow ring pattern. The combination of (Acer ) and gall appearance is diagnostic.
Images
Habitat
Deciduous forests and urban/suburban areas where maples grow. Found in and understory levels of maple-dominated stands. Soil beneath host trees serves as site. Thrives in mesic to moist environments typical of eastern North American maple forests.
Distribution
Nearctic region, primarily eastern North America. Documented from Vermont and throughout the range of maples. Distribution corresponds to that of its primary host in the Acer.
Seasonality
emerge in spring (timing coincides with maple leaf unfolding). Larval feeding occurs through late spring and early summer. Larvae drop to ground in summer to pupate. Pupae remain in soil through autumn, winter, and early spring, with adults emerging the following spring. (one per year).
Diet
Larva feeds on nutritive tissue induced within the gall on maple leaves. Specific chemical composition of larval diet is modified plant tissue; feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Acer circinatum - gall inductionvine maple
- Acer pensylvanicum - gall inductionstriped maple
- Acer rubrum - gall inductionred maple
- Acer saccharinum - gall inductionsilver maple
- Acer saccharum - gall inductionsugar maple
- Acer spicatum - gall inductionmountain maple
Life Cycle
Holometabolous with complete . deposited on underside of young maple leaves. Larvae hatch, attach to leaf tissue, and induce gall formation through secretion of -like chemicals. Larva feeds within gall for several weeks, then drops to soil and forms pupa. Pupae undergo through winter. emerge following spring, mate, and females oviposit on new maple foliage. Single per year.
Behavior
Females fly to maple to oviposit on young leaves. Larvae are , remaining fixed at gall center while manipulating plant development to create feeding chamber and protective structure. occurs in soil beneath host tree. are short-lived, focused on .
Ecological Role
Acts as a phytophagous herbivore that modifies plant tissue for larval development. Galls may provide microhabitat for other organisms, though specific or are not documented in available sources. Contributes to natural variation in maple leaf and autumn color patterns through pigment induction.
Human Relevance
Primarily of aesthetic and scientific interest. Galls cause minimal economic damage to maple trees. The striking appearance of galls draws attention from naturalists and photographers. Occasionally noticed by homeowners on ornamental maples. No significant forestry or horticultural impact documented.
Similar Taxa
- Acericecis spp.Other maple gall midges in same induce different gall morphologies (spindle galls, simple spots) without characteristic concentric color rings
- Other Cecidomyiidae on maplesNumerous other gall midge attack maples but produce structurally distinct galls; precise identification requires gall and association
More Details
Gall Pigment Induction
The larva induces production of autumn pigments ( and anthocyanins) in spring and summer foliage, creating the distinctive eyespot pattern. This represents manipulation of plant .
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Cecidomyia ocellaris by Osten-Sacken in 1862. Transferred to new Acericecis by Raymond J. Gagne, serving as type for the genus.