Craneiobia tuba
Stebbins, 1910
Craneiobia tuba is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive cylindrical galls on dogwood leaves. The is known from four plants in the Cornus. emerge in spring to lay on unfolding leaves, with galls developing by summer. Larvae complete development in fall, then overwinter underground in cocoons.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Craneiobia tuba: /kræˈniːoʊbiə ˈtuːbə/
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Identification
Identified by the presence of its characteristic galls on dogwood leaves. The galls are elongated cylinders on leaf midribs or , hairy, and typically red or green. Confirmed by association with specific Cornus .
Habitat
Found in supporting its dogwood , including riparian areas, woodlands, and shrublands where Cornus amomum, C. drummondii, C. racemosa, or C. sericea occur.
Distribution
Recorded from Vermont and other parts of the United States; distribution corresponds to range of dogwood .
Seasonality
active in spring when dogwood leaves unfold. and early larvae present before gall formation. Galls form by summer. Larvae emerge in late fall to overwinter underground.
Diet
Larvae feed on plant tissue within galls induced on dogwood leaves. Specific feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Cornus amomum - induces galls
- Cornus drummondii - induces galls
- Cornus racemosa - induces galls
- Cornus sericea - induces galls
Life Cycle
females deposit on unfolding dogwood leaves in spring. Larvae induce gall formation, with distinct chambers housing individual larvae. Four instars completed within galls. Larvae emerge in late fall, descend to ground, and overwinter in cocoons buried in soil.
Behavior
Females lay specifically on unfolding leaves in spring. Larvae induce localized plant growth forming protective galls.
Ecological Role
Gall formation creates specialized microhabitats. Galls and pre-gall stages are parasitized by platygastrid .
Human Relevance
No documented economic or medical significance. Of interest to entomologists studying gall-forming insects and plant-insect interactions.
Similar Taxa
- Other Cecidomyiidae on CornusOther gall midges may form galls on dogwoods; distinguished by gall (long cylindrical, hairy, on midribs/) and specific associations.
More Details
Parasitoid pressure
and larvae are vulnerable to in Platygasteridae before gall formation protects them.
Taxonomic note
Listed as synonym Dasineura tuba in some databases; accepted as Craneiobia tuba in iNaturalist and other sources.