Dasineura crataegibedeguar
(Osten Sacken, 1878)
hawthorn button-top gall midge
Dasineura crataegibedeguar is a gall midge in the Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on hawthorns (Crataegus spp.). The is known for forming button-top or bedeguar-like galls on plant tissues. Like other Dasineura species, it has a complex involving gall induction and larval development within plant tissue. The species was originally described by Osten Sacken in 1878 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the Blaesodiplosis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dasineura crataegibedeguar: //da.siˈnɛʊ.ra kra.taɛˌɡi.bɛˈdɛ.ɡwar//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Identification relies on examination of the galls induced on hawthorn . The galls appear as button-top or clustered growths on Crataegus tissues. are minute, typically 2–4 mm in length, with reduced wing venation characteristic of Cecidomyiidae. Definitive identification requires microscopic examination of adult , particularly antennal structure and genitalia. The may be distinguished from other Dasineura species on Crataegus by gall morphology and host tissue specificity.
Habitat
Associated with hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in various including woodlands, hedgerows, scrublands, and forest edges where plants occur.
Distribution
North America; recorded from the United States and Canada where hawthorn are present. Specific distribution records are sparse in the provided sources.
Seasonality
activity and gall formation occur during the growing season when hawthorns are actively producing new growth. Exact is not well-documented in available sources.
Diet
Larvae feed internally within gall tissue on Crataegus spp. (hawthorns). The specific nutritional relationship involves inducing plant tissue proliferation and feeding on the resulting gall parenchyma.
Host Associations
- Crataegus - obligate gall inducerForms galls on hawthorn tissues; specific not documented in available sources
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Eggs are deposited on plant tissue. Larvae induce gall formation and develop within the gall. occurs within the gall or in soil. Adults emerge to mate and oviposit. Multiple per year are possible but not confirmed in available sources.
Behavior
Females oviposit into hawthorn tissue, triggering gall formation. Larvae remain within galls until mature. are weak fliers typical of gall midges.
Ecological Role
As a gall inducer, modifies plant growth and creates microhabitats that may be utilized by other organisms. The ecological significance of these interactions is not well-documented.
Human Relevance
May be of minor interest in horticulture where hawthorns are cultivated. No significant economic impact documented.
Similar Taxa
- Dasineura investitaBoth are Dasineura that induce galls, but D. investita occurs on wood nettle (Laportea canadensis) rather than hawthorn, and produces berry-like green galls rather than button-top galls
- Taxodiomyia cupressiananassaBoth are cecidomyiid gall midges, but T. cupressiananassa induces twig galls on bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) with distinctive spiky, rusty-brown galls that differ markedly from hawthorn galls
- Other Dasineura species on CrataegusSeveral induce galls on hawthorns; differentiation requires examination of gall , tissue specificity, and genitalia