Asteromyia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
Superfamily: Sciaroidea
Family: Cecidomyiidae
Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
Supertribe: Lasiopteridi
Tribe: Alycaulini
Genus: Asteromyia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asteromyia: //ˌæs.təˈroʊ.mi.jə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Asteromyia carbonifera larva by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Asteromyia carbonifera gall by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Solidago altissima-Asteromyia carbonifera-galls by peterwchen. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Solidago- Leaf gall midge - 51675346209 by m.borden. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Solidago- Leaf gall midge - 51675549355 by m.borden. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Asteromyia carbonifera goldenrod gall by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Asteromyia is a genus of gall midges found in North America, known for inducing blister galls predominantly on leaves and stems of Asteraceae plants. It consists of nine described species, with most associated symbiotically with fungi.

Physical Characteristics

Gall midges in the genus Asteromyia are small insects that induce gall formation on their host plants, primarily in the Asteraceae family. Full-grown larvae are typically encased in a hard, black cast formed by a fungal symbiont.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made through the observation of galls induced on Asteraceae plants, particularly the blister galls on leaves and green stems.

Habitat

Found primarily in North American habitats where Asteraceae plants are abundant, particularly areas with goldenrod and other composite plants.

Distribution

Distribution is specific to North America.

Diet

Feed primarily on plant tissue as larvae, causing galls to form on the host plants.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes egg, larval, and pupal stages, with larvae inducing galls on the host plants while feeding.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs through oviposition in suitable plant tissue, where the larvae will develop inside the galls.

Ecosystem Role

Asteromyia species play a role in their ecosystems by influencing plant health and dynamics through gall formation, which can affect nutrient cycling.

Collecting Methods

Hand collecting galls from host plants
Using sweep nets to capture adults around host plants

Preservation Methods

Preserving specimens in ethanol
Drying and mounting for taxonomic study

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some might confuse Asteromyia with other gall-inducing flies that affect similar plants; however, each genus exhibits specific gall characteristics.