Rhopalomyia solidaginis
(Loew, 1862)
Goldenrod Bunch Gall Midge, goldenrod bunch gall
Rhopalomyia solidaginis is a () that induces distinctive bunch on goldenrod plants. It is , producing separate spring and summer gall with different . The is the second-largest Rhopalomyia on goldenrods and can be identified by male structure and female length. It has been documented across eastern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalomyia solidaginis: /ˌroʊ.pə.loʊˈmaɪ.i.ə ˌsɒl.ɪˈdædʒ.ɪ.nɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Males distinguished by large ; females by shortest among goldenrod-associated Rhopalomyia. Spring smaller with reduced antennal compared to summer generation. differs between generations: spring galls small and inconspicuous; summer galls form 3–5 cm rosette clusters of 2–5 subunits with internal chambers.
Images
Habitat
Associated with goldenrod plants in open . form on of host shoots.
Distribution
Eastern North America. Documented from Vermont and other US states.
Seasonality
with distinct spring and summer . Spring appear early in growing season; summer galls appear mid-July.
Host Associations
- Solidago altissima - induces
- Solidago canadensis - induces
- Solidago rugosa - induces
Life Cycle
. Spring : small, difficult-to-locate , typically single-chambered with one , occasionally 2–3 chambers attached longitudinally. Summer generation: chambers appear mid-July, each containing one larva facing downward, surrounded by short narrow leaves then longer wider leaves forming distinct subunits; 2–5 subunits clumped at shoot forming 3–5 cm rosette gall. Galled plants sometimes stunted.
Ecological Role
formation modifies growth, sometimes causing stunting. Gall tissue may accumulate soil at higher concentrations than surrounding plant tissue, suggesting potential use in environmental .
Human Relevance
Research subject for biology and phytoscreening applications. Galls may serve as pollution detectors due to accumulation of soil .
Similar Taxa
- Eurosta solidaginisAlso a goldenrod inducer, but produces spherical stem galls rather than rosette bunch galls; different ()
- Other Rhopalomyia species on goldenrodsR. solidaginis is second-largest ; distinguished by male size and female length
More Details
Pollution detection research
-induced including those on goldenrod have been investigated for phytoscreening potential. Research by Glen Ray at Wayne State University demonstrated that galls can accumulate toxic soil at higher concentrations than other tissues, with approximately 85% of showing elevated contaminant levels. This property may allow galls to serve as sensitive detectors for pollutants such as volatile compounds, 1,4-dioxane, and hexavalent chromium.