Procecidochares atra

(Loew, 1862)

Goldenrod Brussels Sprout Gall Fly

Procecidochares atra is a gall-inducing fruit fly in the Tephritidae that forms distinctive galls on goldenrod plants (Solidago ). The species is native to North America and has been documented in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Its galls are most commonly found on Solidago altissima, S. gigantea, and S. rugosa.

Procecidochares atra by (c) christine123, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by christine123. Used under a CC-BY license.Procecidochares atra by Bruce Marlin. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Procecidochares atra larva by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Procecidochares atra: /proʊˌsɛsɪˈdoʊkəˌriz ˈætrə/

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Identification

Galls induced by P. atra on goldenrod stems are reportedly distinctive enough to allow -level identification. The galls form on stems of Solidago species and are most common on S. altissima, S. gigantea, and S. rugosa.

Images

Habitat

Associated with goldenrod (Solidago) plants in areas where these occur.

Distribution

Canada, United States, Mexico.

Host Associations

  • Solidago altissima - gall most common
  • Solidago gigantea - gall most common
  • Solidago rugosa - gall most common

Behavior

Induces stem galls on goldenrod plants. The galls provide nutrition and protection for developing larvae.

Ecological Role

Gall-inducing insect that manipulates plant tissue to create protected feeding structures. High gall may suppress plant health, though specific impacts on goldenrod populations have not been quantified.

Similar Taxa

  • Procecidochares utilisCongeneric gall fly used as agent against Ageratina adenophora; differs in specificity (Ageratina vs. Solidago)

More Details

Taxonomic note

The epithet 'atra' (Latin for 'black') may cause confusion with other dark-colored insects, but this is a tephritid fruit fly, not a dark-colored horse fly (Tabanus atratus) or .

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Sources and further reading