Botryosphaeria
Guides
Asteromyia
Asteromyia is a genus of gall midges comprising approximately nine described species. Members of this genus induce distinct gall morphologies on host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Solidago (goldenrod) species. The genus is notable for complex ecological interactions, including obligate mutualisms with symbiotic fungi that form protective gall structures and mediate defense against parasitoids. Some species complexes exhibit incipient adaptive radiation with sympatric sibling species producing phenotypically distinct galls on the same host plant.
Asteromyia carbonifera
Carbonifera goldenrod gall midge
Asteromyia carbonifera is a gall midge that forms an obligate mutualistic relationship with the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. Females carry fungal conidia in specialized mycangia on the ovipositor and deposit them alongside eggs on Solidago host plants. The fungus induces gall formation, and larvae feed on fungal tissue within the gall. This insect-fungus mutualism is essential for successful development; neither partner can complete its life cycle independently under natural conditions.