Rhopalomyia chrysothamni
Felt, 1916
chrysanthemum gall midge
A in the that induces small, conical-tubular stem on rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa, formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus). Research demonstrates that female attack rates and gall development are strongly influenced by water and nutrient availability, with a documented trade-off between gall quantity and quality.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalomyia chrysothamni: /ˌroʊ.pəˈloʊ.miˌa ˌkrɪ.soʊˈθæm.naɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Induces very small, conical-tubular stem on rubber rabbitbrush; galls may vary in and depending on growing conditions.
Images
Habitat
Xeric areas in western North America; occurs in undisturbed arid environments. plants in more mesic conditions (with supplemental water and nutrients) support larger development.
Distribution
Western North America; documented in Coconino National Forest, Arizona, USA.
Host Associations
- Ericameria nauseosa - Formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus; induces stem . Study specifically on hololeucus.
Behavior
Females preferentially attack plants with lower hydric-nutritional quality (xeric conditions). and increase when water and nutrient stresses are relieved, creating a trade-off between attack rate (quantity) and gall size (quality).
Ecological Role
inducer on rubber rabbitbrush; modifies stem tissue for larval development.