Dasineura investita

Identified by the presence of its characteristic galls on Laportea canadensis. The galls are distinguished by their oval-globose shape, variable coloration (pale, white, red, to green translucent), and occurrence on multiple plant parts (petioles, leaf blades, midribs, veins, flowers, and stems). Dissection reveals a larval inhabitant in a central chamber. The species can be separated from other Dasineura gall midges by host specificity to Laportea canadensis and the described gall morphology.

Adults are tiny flies typical of gall midges, though specific adult morphology is not well documented. The induced galls are the most visible sign of this species: oval to globose structures measuring 4–5 mm in width by 8–12 mm in length. Gall coloration varies from pale and white to red and green translucent. Internally, galls contain a central chamber housing the developing larva.

Associated with mesic forest habitats where the host plant Laportea canadensis (wood nettle) occurs. Observed in mesic bluff base forests and riparian corridors. The host plant typically grows in moist, shaded woodland understories.

Documented from southern Illinois (LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area) and presumably throughout the range of its host plant Laportea canadensis in eastern North America. The host plant ranges across eastern Canada and the eastern United States.

Two generations per year. Autumn-generation larvae overwinter in the central chamber of the gall and presumably emerge as adults the following spring. Active gall formation and larval development occurs during the growing season.

Larval development occurs within plant tissue of Laportea canadensis; specific adult feeding habits unknown.

• Laportea canadensis - host plantinduces galls on petioles, leaves, midribs, veins, flowers, and stems

Bivoltine (two generations annually). Full-grown larvae from the autumn generation overwinter inside the central chamber of the gall. Pupation and adult emergence presumably occur in spring, followed by gall induction on new host plant growth. A second generation develops during summer.

Induces gall formation on host plant tissue. Larvae develop within the protective gall structure. Overwintering larvae remain in the gall chamber rather than exiting to the soil.

Acts as a gall inducer, creating specialized plant structures that provide shelter and nutrition for its larvae. The ecological impact on host plant fitness has not been quantified. Serves as a food source for potential gall parasites or predators, though specific parasitoid associations are not documented.

Of minor direct human significance. May be encountered by botanists and naturalists studying woodland flora. The galls are distinctive enough to be noticed by observant hikers in areas where the host plant occurs. No economic importance to agriculture or forestry is known.

• Other Dasineura speciesDasineura is a large genus with many gall-forming species, but they differ in host plant specificity and gall morphology; D. investita is distinguished by its association with Laportea canadensis and the described gall characteristics.
• Other Cecidomyiidae gall midges on UrticaceaeOther gall midges may occur on nettle family plants, but D. investita is specifically associated with Laportea canadensis and produces galls of the described size, shape, and coloration.

• gall midge
• Cecidomyiidae
• gall former
• Laportea canadensis
• wood nettle
• bivoltine
• mesic forest

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• Cecidomyiidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Ted C. MacRae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 5