Rhopalomyia erigerontis

Identification requires examination of the gall morphology on Erigeron hosts and adult morphological characters. The specific gall structure distinguishes it from other Rhopalomyia species. Adult midges are small, delicate flies with reduced wing venation typical of Cecidomyiidae.

Found in areas where Erigeron host plants grow, including open fields, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed habitats.

North America; distribution follows that of its Erigeron host plants.

Larvae feed within plant tissue, inducing gall formation on Erigeron species. Adults do not feed.

• Erigeron - gall inductionHost plant for gall formation; specific species not definitively established in available sources

Larvae develop within galls on Erigeron plants. Pupation occurs within the gall or in soil. Adults emerge to mate and oviposit on host plants. Multiple generations per year may occur depending on climate.

Females oviposit into Erigeron tissue, triggering gall formation. Larvae remain within galls until mature.

Acts as a gall inducer, modifying host plant growth and providing microhabitat for other organisms. Serves as prey for parasitoid wasps and other natural enemies.

No significant direct economic impact. Of interest to entomologists studying gall-forming insects and plant-insect interactions.

• Rhopalomyia solidaginisAlso induces galls on Asteraceae, but on Solidago (goldenrod) rather than Erigeron; gall morphology differs
• Other Rhopalomyia speciesMany congeners induce similar galls on Asteraceae; host plant association is primary distinguishing feature

• gall midge
• Cecidomyiidae
• Erigeron
• gall former
• Asteraceae

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life