Gimnomera cerea

(Coquillett, 1908)

Gimnomera cerea is a Nearctic dung fly ( Scathophagidae) with a highly specialized tied to its plant, Pedicularis canadensis. The has a single synchronized to the flowering of this hemiparasitic plant. Larvae are herbivorous, feeding on ovules and capsules, while of both sexes are on small insects. 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 plant occurs; larvae develop within plant reproductive structures and pupate in soil around host roots

Distribution

Nearctic; distribution coincides closely with that of its plant Pedicularis canadensis

Seasonality

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

Diet

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

Host Associations

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

Life Cycle

Single per year with all activities synchronized to plant cycle; larvae 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 insects as ; mating and oviposition closely attuned to plant flowering ; larval feeding and behavior specialized to host plant architecture

Ecological Role

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

Similar Taxa

  • Gimnomera incisurataCongeneric with parallel ; larvae 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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