Calamomyia
Gagné, 1969
Calamomyia is a of gall midges in the Cecidomyiidae, established by Gagné in 1969. Members of this genus are small flies that induce galls on grasses, particularly in the genus Calamagrostis. The genus is part of the diverse and economically significant gall midge fauna of North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calamomyia: /kæləmɵˈmaɪə/
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Habitat
Associated with grassland and wetland where grasses in the Calamagrostis occur.
Distribution
North America; have been documented in association with Calamagrostis grasses across temperate regions of the continent.
Host Associations
- Calamagrostis - gall inductionThe name Calamomyia reflects this association with Calamagrostis grasses.
Ecological Role
Gall-forming insects that induce abnormal plant growths on grass ; these galls may provide microhabitats for other organisms.
Similar Taxa
- MayetiolaAnother of grass-associated gall midges, but differs in associations and gall ; Mayetiola includes significant agricultural pests such as the Hessian fly.
More Details
Etymology
The name combines 'Calamo-' from Calamagrostis (the grass genus) with '-myia' (Greek for fly), indicating the specialized host relationship.