Alycaulini
Alycaulini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
- Superfamily: Sciaroidea
- Family: Cecidomyiidae
- Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
- Supertribe: Lasiopteridi
- Tribe: Alycaulini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alycaulini: /ˌælaɪˈkɔːlɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Alycaulini is a tribe of gall midges within the family Cecidomyiidae, comprising around 210 described species. They primarily feed on plants, inducing galls that can affect plant health. They have a close association with their plant hosts and sometimes with symbiotic fungi.
Physical Characteristics
Small to medium-sized gall midges, with body sizes varying among species; typical characteristics include elongated bodies and long antennae.
Identification Tips
Identification may involve examining morphological features under a microscope, such as body shape and antenna length; some species can be identified based on their association with specific host plants.
Habitat
Primarily associated with various plants in the Americas, including Asteraceae family members.
Distribution
Restricted to the Americas, with a wide distribution across various ecosystems.
Diet
Most species are primary plant feeders; they induce galls on plant tissues such as stems, tendrils, or petioles.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; larvae typically develop within galls formed on plants.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs through laying eggs on host plants, where larvae develop and induce galls.
Predators
Natural predators may include birds, other insects, and parasitoids; specific predator species are not provided.
Ecosystem Role
They play a role in plant community dynamics through gall induction and may contribute to plant diversity.
Economic Impact
Potentially negative impact on agriculture due to plant damage; specific economic impacts vary based on the species involved.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults during flight
- Collecting galls from host plants
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation for specimens
- Pinning dried specimens for museum collections
Misconceptions
Some may confuse them with other small flies; however, their unique gall-inducing behavior distinguishes them.
Tags
- Alycaulini
- Cecidomyiidae
- gall midges
- plant feeders
- Americas