Asteromyia carbonifera
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Infraorder: Bibionomorpha
- Superfamily: Sciaroidea
- Family: Cecidomyiidae
- Subfamily: Cecidomyiinae
- Supertribe: Lasiopteridi
- Tribe: Alycaulini
- Genus: Asteromyia
- Species: carbonifera
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asteromyia carbonifera: /ˌæstɛroʊˈmaɪə ˌkɑːrbəˈnɪfərə/
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Summary
Asteromyia carbonifera is a species of gall midge that induces galls on goldenrod plants. It establishes a mutualistic relationship with the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea, which plays a role in gall formation.
Physical Characteristics
Color and size of galls vary by host species and number of larvae. Induces flat, circular galls in the leaves.
Identification Tips
Look for flat, circular galls on the undersides of goldenrod leaves.
Habitat
Found in habitats where goldenrod plants (Solidago) are present.
Distribution
Across North America.
Diet
The larvae live inside galls but do not consume the symbiotic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea.
Life Cycle
Development from egg to adult takes 4-5 weeks. Several generations can occur each year.
Reproduction
Females lay up to 300 eggs on the undersides of goldenrod leaves, often alongside spores of Botryosphaeria dothidea.
Ecosystem Role
Creates galls that provide a habitat for larvae and interact with a mutualistic fungus.
Collecting Methods
- Observing goldenrod plants for galls.
- Collecting galls from affected plants.
Preservation Methods
- Drying galls for study.
- Preserving larvae in alcohol.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Asteromyia carbonifera
- gall midge
- Cecidomyiidae
- mutualism
- goldenrod