Rhopalomyia clarkei
Felt, 1907
Rhopalomyia clarkei is a in the , first described by Felt in 1907. The species induces small, conical, single-chambered on two plants: Solidago altissima and Solidago rugosa. It occurs in north-eastern and north-central North America. females are approximately 2 mm long with a dull red and 17 antennal .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalomyia clarkei: /ˌroʊ.pə.loʊˈmaɪ.iə ˈklɑːrki/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Rhopalomyia by and . Galls are conical, single-chambered, and typically occur on leaf undersides attached to major or minor , occasionally on upper leaf surfaces or stems. Association with Solidago altissima or Solidago rugosa is diagnostic. The combination of small size (2.5–6 mm), conical shape, green- coloration, and short whitish separates it from other goldenrod .
Images
Appearance
female 2 mm in length with dull red and 17 antennal . are . are small, conical, single-chambered structures, green to yellowish-green, covered with short whitish hairs, tapering toward . On Solidago rugosa, galls measure 2.5–6 mm long and 0.7–1.2 mm wide at widest point. Young galls may bear a tuft of hair at base nearly as long as gall itself.
Habitat
Associated with plants Solidago altissima and Solidago rugosa in areas where these goldenrod occur. No specific requirements beyond host presence documented.
Distribution
North-eastern and north-central North America. Documented from Vermont and other US states in this region.
Diet
feed within induced on Solidago altissima and Solidago rugosa. Specific feeding mechanism and diet not documented.
Host Associations
- Solidago altissima - Larval on leaves and stems
- Solidago rugosa - Larval ; gall dimensions documented from this
Life Cycle
Single develops within each . Specific developmental stages and not documented beyond gall association.
Behavior
induce formation on tissues. Each gall contains a single larva. No behavioral observations documented.
Ecological Role
Induces on goldenrod plants, potentially affecting growth and tissue allocation. Serves as food source for unknown . Specific functions not documented.
Human Relevance
Subject of entomological study regarding and biology. No documented economic or medical significance.
Similar Taxa
- Other Rhopalomyia speciesShare and ; distinguished by , , and geographic range
- Other goldenrod gall midgesInduce on Solidago ; R. clarkei distinguished by conical shape, single-chambered structure, and specific dimensions
More Details
Gall morphology variation
position varies: typically on lower leaf surface attached to , but occasionally on upper leaf surface or stems
Taxonomic authority
First described by in 1907, a prominent North