Ambrosia-fungi

Guides

  • Asphondylia

    gall midges, holly berry midge

    Asphondylia is a large genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, with over 300 described species distributed worldwide. All species in this genus induce galls on plants, particularly on flowers and flower buds. The genus is notable for the morphological similarity of its adult members, making species identification challenging without host plant or gall characteristics. Some species exhibit complex ecological relationships with fungi and parasitoids within their galls.

  • Lymexylidae

    ship-timber beetles

    Lymexylidae, commonly known as ship-timber beetles, are a family of wood-boring beetles in the suborder Polyphaga. They represent the sole family in the superfamily Lymexyloidea. The family contains over 60 species across four subfamilies and approximately 15 genera, including both extant and fossil taxa dating to the Cretaceous. Many species form obligate symbiotic relationships with ambrosia fungi, which they cultivate and consume rather than feeding directly on wood. Some species are significant economic pests of timber and living trees.