Bubble-gall Tephritid

Aciurina trixa

How to pronounce Aciurina trixa: /ˌæ.siˈʊr.ɪ.nə ˈtrɪk.sə/

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Aciurina trixa is a tephritid fly whose larvae induce galls on rabbitbrush, contributing to its lifecycle and ecology in western U.S. regions.

Larvae produce globular green galls on host plants.

Look for green galls on rabbitbrush; adults are typical of tephritid flies.

Primarily found on rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus).

Found in the western United States, including Washington, California, Montana, and New Mexico.

Larval stages feed on rabbitbrush.

Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with galls serving as a protective environment for larvae.

Females lay eggs within the host plant, where larvae develop.

Plays a role in the ecosystem by influencing host plant health through gall formation.

Some may confuse it with other gall-forming insects on similar plants.