Gimnomera cerea

(Coquillett, 1908)

Gimnomera cerea is a Nearctic ( ) with a highly specialized tied to its , Pedicularis canadensis. The has a single synchronized to the flowering of this hemiparasitic plant. are herbivorous, feeding on ovules and capsules, while of both sexes are on small . The species undergoes protracted in soil , an likely linked to the ephemeral availability of host plant reproductive tissues.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gimnomera cerea: //dʒɪmˈnɒmərə ˈsɛriə//

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Habitat

Associated with Pedicularis canadensis in where this hemiparasitic occurs; develop within plant reproductive structures and pupate in soil around host roots

Distribution

Nearctic; distribution coincides closely with that of its Pedicularis canadensis

Seasonality

activity restricted to spring, coinciding with the flowering period of Pedicularis canadensis; single per year

Diet

feed upon ovules and capsules of Pedicularis canadensis; of both sexes are on small

Host Associations

  • Pedicularis canadensis - obligate ( feed on ovules and capsules); occurs in soil around rootsHemiparasitic member of Scrophulariaceae; drives entire of the

Life Cycle

Single per year with all activities synchronized to cycle; feed on host reproductive structures, then exit to form in soil around host roots; undergoes protracted in pupal stage; timed to following spring flowering period of host

Behavior

Both sexes on small as ; mating and closely attuned to flowering ; larval feeding and behavior specialized to host plant architecture

Ecological Role

on reproductive structures of Pedicularis canadensis; intraguild as ; specialized - relationship with hemiparasitic may reflect evolutionary through parasitic members of Scrophulariaceae

Similar Taxa

  • Gimnomera incisurataCongeneric with parallel ; feed on flower parts of Penstemon species (P. hirsutus, P. digitalis, P. calycosus), , single with protracted , and activities synchronized to
  • Other Nearctic Gimnomera speciesEight Nearctic recognized; G. cerea distinguished by association with Pedicularis canadensis and presumably by male terminalia (see taxonomic revision for diagnostic characters)

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