Cecidomyiidae
Guides
Acericecis
maple gall midges
Acericecis is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae. The genus contains five described species, four extant and one known only from fossils. All extant species induce characteristic eyespot galls on maple (Acer) leaves. The genus was established by American entomologist Raymond Gagné in 1983, with Acericecis ocellaris as the type species. Species are restricted to the Holarctic region.
Acericecis ocellaris
ocellate gall midge, maple eyespot gall, maple leaf spot gall
Acericecis ocellaris is a gall midge that induces distinctive blister-like eyespot galls on maple leaves. The galls feature concentric rings of yellow and red pigments surrounding a central chamber where the larva feeds. This species is the type species of the genus Acericecis and was first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862. It completes a single generation per year, with adults emerging in spring to mate and oviposit on young maple foliage.
Allarete
Allarete is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Arthur Earl Pritchard in 1951. The genus comprises twelve described species distributed across the Holarctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental biogeographic regions. Species have been documented from Africa, India, and temperate northern regions.
Amedia
Amedia is a genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) established by Jaschhof in 1997. It belongs to the subfamily Lestremiinae and tribe Strobliellini. The genus comprises small, delicate flies whose larvae develop in association with fungi, particularly on decaying wood.
Amedia floridana
Amedia floridana is a species of gall midge (family Cecidomyiidae) described by Jaschhof in 1997. The species belongs to the subfamily Lestremiinae and tribe Strobliellini. As a member of this genus, it is likely associated with fungal substrates, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Ametrodiplosis
Ametrodiplosis is a genus of gall midges in the tribe Clinodiplosini, established by Rübsaamen in 1910. Species in this genus are distributed primarily across the Holarctic region and exhibit two distinct life history strategies: some induce galls on host plants, while others live as inquilines within existing galls. The genus demonstrates broad host associations across multiple seed plant families including Apocynaceae and Caryophyllaceae. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has supported the monophyly of Ametrodiplosis despite this ecological diversity.
Ametrodiplosis fistulosae
Ametrodiplosis fistulosae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Plakidas in 2016. The specific epithet "fistulosae" suggests an association with hollow or tubular plant structures. As a member of the genus Ametrodiplosis, it belongs to a group of cecidomyiid flies known for inducing galls on plants. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and has been recorded on iNaturalist with 25 observations.
Ampelomyia
Ampelomyia is a genus of gall midges in the tribe Asphondyliini (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), erected in 2019 to accommodate species that induce galls on grape plants (Vitis). The genus contains four species: A. conicocoricis from Japan, and three Nearctic species transferred from other genera (A. viticola, A. vitiscoryloides, and A. vitispomum). All species are specialized gall inducers on Vitis species.
Ampelomyia viticola
grape tube gallmaker, grape-leaf trumpet-gall, conical grape gall
Ampelomyia viticola is a gall midge that induces distinctive tubular galls on grape vine leaves in eastern North America. The galls are narrow, conical structures measuring 7–10 mm long, typically crimson in color though green when young or on leaf undersides. Each gall contains a single larval chamber housing one pale yellowish-green to orange larva. The species was transferred from Schizomyia to the new genus Ampelomyia in 2019.
Ampelomyia vitispomum
Ampelomyia vitispomum is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on grape plants (Vitis spp.). It was first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1878 and transferred to the genus Ampelomyia in 2018 based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. It is one of three Vitis-associated species in this genus found in the Nearctic region.
Apagodiplosis
Apagodiplosis is a genus of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) established by Gagné in 1973. The genus contains a single described species, A. papyriferae. Gall midges in this family are small, delicate flies known for inducing plant galls during larval development.
Apagodiplosis papyriferae
Apagodiplosis papyriferae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1967. The specific epithet papyriferae indicates an association with paper birch (Betula papyrifera). As a member of the gall midge subfamily Cecidomyiinae, this species likely induces gall formation on its host plant, though specific gall morphology has not been documented in available sources. The genus Apagodiplosis contains relatively few described species, and most remain poorly studied.
Aphidoletes
aphid midge
Aphidoletes is a genus of predatory gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) whose larvae are specialized aphid predators. The best-known species, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, is widely used in commercial biological control programs against aphids in greenhouse and field crops. Adults are small, delicate flies that feed on honeydew, while larvae actively hunt and consume aphids using paralytic venom.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza
aphid midge
Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a predatory gall midge used worldwide in biological control programs against aphids. Adults are small, delicate, nocturnal flies that feed on aphid honeydew and hide beneath leaves during daylight. The bright orange, slug-like larvae are specialized aphid predators that paralyze prey by injecting venom into leg joints before consuming body contents. The species is commercially mass-produced and distributed as pupae in moist substrate for greenhouse applications.
Arnoldiola atra
Arnoldiola atra is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1999. As a member of this family, it is likely associated with the formation of plant galls, though specific host relationships and gall morphology remain undocumented in available sources. The genus Arnoldiola contains multiple species, most of which are poorly studied. This species has been recorded in citizen science observations, suggesting it is encountered with some regularity in the field.
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.
Asphondylia antennariae
Asphondylia antennariae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The larvae induce galls on the buds of Antennaria plantaginifolia, a plantain-leaved pussytoes. First described by William Morton Wheeler in 1889, this species has been documented in Wisconsin and Maine, though its host plant ranges widely across eastern North America.
Asphondylia apicata
Creosote Apex Gall Midge
Asphondylia apicata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Gagné in 1990. Like other members of its genus, it induces distinctive galls on host plants through a poorly understood mechanism involving chemical manipulation of plant hormones. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other plants, with multiple species often specializing on a single host species. The specific epithet "apicata" refers to the apex or tip of plant structures where galls may form.
Asphondylia atriplicicola
Saltbush Blister Gall Midge
Asphondylia atriplicicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces blister galls on saltbush (Atriplex species). Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species manipulates host plant tissue to form protective galls within which its larvae develop. The specific epithet 'atriplicicola' directly references its association with Atriplex, the saltbush genus. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on diverse host plants, with different species specializing on particular plant taxa including holly, creosote, and saltbush.
Asphondylia atriplicis
Tumor Stem Gall Midge
Asphondylia atriplicis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive tumor-like stem galls on plants in the genus Atriplex (saltbushes). Like other Asphondylia species, the adult female deposits eggs into host plant tissue, and the developing larva stimulates the plant to form a protective gall structure that provides both shelter and nutrition. The specific epithet 'atriplicis' indicates its association with Atriplex hosts. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on diverse plant families and for often harboring symbiotic fungi that may assist in gall formation or nutrition.
Asphondylia auripila
Large Creosote Gall Midge
Asphondylia auripila is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces stem galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). It is part of a species group of 15 closely related Asphondylia species that have partitioned creosote bush ecologically, with different species inhabiting leaves, stems, buds, and flowers. A. auripila specifically occupies the stems, forming distinctive pom-pom-like galls. The larvae develop within these plant-generated structures, which provide both shelter and nutrition.
Asphondylia bigeloviaebrassicoides
Asphondylia bigeloviaebrassicoides is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Townsend in 1893. Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species induces galls on plant tissue. The specific epithet suggests an association with plants in the genus Bigelowia and potentially Brassicaceae hosts, though detailed host records remain limited. Gall midges in this genus are known for their highly specialized relationships with host plants and their ability to manipulate plant development to create protected feeding structures.
Asphondylia borrichiae
Asphondylia borrichiae is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces galls at the apical meristems of its host plant Borrichia frutescens. The larvae develop and pupate entirely within these galls. During development, immature stages are attacked by a guild of parasitic wasps, with Galeopsomyia haemon and Torymus umbilicatus being the most common parasitoids. Research has demonstrated that abiotic factors affecting host plant characteristics, particularly gall diameter, significantly influence the composition of the parasitoid community attacking this midge.
Asphondylia ceanothi
Ceanothus Bud Gall Midge
Asphondylia ceanothi is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces bud galls on Ceanothus plants. The species was described by Felt in 1908. Like other Asphondylia species, it manipulates plant tissue to form a protective gall structure where the larva develops. The specific host plant association is with Ceanothus species, a genus of flowering shrubs in the buckthorn family.
Asphondylia diervillae
Asphondylia diervillae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It is one of approximately 15 species of Asphondylia flies that induce galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The larvae develop within plant tissue, manipulating host plant development to form protective galls.
Asphondylia eupatorii
Asphondylia eupatorii is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1911. The species is known to induce galls on its host plant Ageratina altissima (white snakeroot). Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species likely manipulates plant tissue to form protective galls that serve as both shelter and food source for the developing larvae. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on a variety of plant species, with some species showing highly specific host associations.
Asphondylia floccosa
woolly stem gall midge, Saltbush Woolly Stem Gall Midge
Asphondylia floccosa is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive woolly stem galls on Atriplex polycarpa. The larvae develop within multi-chambered galls but do not consume plant tissue directly—instead feeding on fungi that grow inside the gall structure. This species was first described by Raymond Gagne in 1986 and is known from the southwestern United States.
Asphondylia florea
Creosote Flower Gall Midge
Asphondylia helianthiflorae
Asphondylia helianthiflorae is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1908. Like other members of its genus, this species induces galls on host plants. The specific epithet "helianthiflorae" indicates an association with sunflower (Helianthus) flowers. The genus Asphondylia is known for inducing galls on diverse plant parts including flowers, fruits, and leaves across various host species.
Asphondylia helianthiglobulus
Sunflower Purse Gall Midge
Asphondylia helianthiglobulus is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae. Its larvae induce distinctive globular stem galls on several sunflower species in eastern North America. The specific epithet "helianthiglobulus" references both its host genus Helianthus and the rounded shape of the galls it produces. This species exemplifies the intimate plant-insect relationships characteristic of gall midges, where larval development occurs entirely within plant tissue.
Asphondylia monacha
nun midge
Asphondylia monacha is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the nun midge. Like other members of its genus, this tiny fly induces distinctive galls on host plants through a poorly understood process involving chemical manipulation of plant tissue. The species was described in 1869 and has been recorded in the northeastern United States.
Asphondylia neomexicana
Fourwing Saltbush Woolly Gall Midge
Asphondylia neomexicana is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. Like other members of its genus, this species induces distinctive woolly galls on host plants. The genus Asphondylia is notable for containing numerous species that manipulate plant growth to form protective structures for their developing larvae. Based on its specific epithet and the common name "Fourwing Saltbush Woolly Gall Midge," this species appears associated with fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) or related Atriplex species in arid western North American habitats.
Asphondylia pseudorosa
Asphondylia pseudorosa is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Dorchin in 2015. Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, it is presumed to be a gall-inducing insect that manipulates plant tissue to form protective structures for its developing larvae. The specific host plant associations and gall morphology for this particular species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Asphondylia ratibidae
Prairie Coneflower Gall Midge
Asphondylia ratibidae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species induces galls on its host plant. The specific epithet 'ratibidae' indicates an association with plants in the genus Ratibida, commonly known as prairie coneflowers. Gall midges in this genus are highly specialized, with each species typically restricted to a single host plant species or genus.
Asphondylia resinosa
Creosote Resin Gall Midge
Asphondylia resinosa is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive resinous galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). The species was described by Gagné in 1990 and is one of approximately 15 Asphondylia species known to induce galls on creosote bush. Like other gall midges, the larva develops inside the plant tissue, with the gall providing both shelter and nutrition. The specific epithet 'resinosa' refers to the resinous character of the galls it produces.
Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua
Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1878. The larvae induce galls in the flower heads of cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), developing within distinct zones of the capitulum tissue. This species serves as host to a diverse guild of parasitoid wasps that exhibit stratified distribution patterns within the gall structure, with different parasitoid species occupying different depth zones.
Asphondylia solidaginis
goldenrod gall midge
A gall midge species that induces two distinct gall types on goldenrods in North America. First described in 1907, it produces blister-like 'snap' galls on leaves in spring and early summer, and leafy rosette galls from buds in late summer. The species is multivoltine, with several generations per year, and primarily uses Solidago altissima as a host.
Asphondylia websteri
alfalfa gall midge
Asphondylia websteri, commonly known as the alfalfa gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. Like other members of its genus, this species induces gall formation on host plants. Research has documented its association with numerous native American plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. The species was described by Felt in 1917.
Asphondyliini
Asphondyliini is a tribe of gall midges within the family Cecidomyiidae, comprising approximately six genera and at least 100 described species. Members are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Neotropics, Palearctic, and Oriental regions. The tribe is characterized by gall-inducing behavior on diverse host plants, with documented associations across numerous angiosperm families including Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Lauraceae, and Verbenaceae. Several genera within the tribe have been subject to recent taxonomic revision based on phylogenetic analyses.
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 chrysothamni
Asteromyia chrysothamni is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Felt in 1918. The species is associated with Chrysothamnus, a genus of rabbitbrush shrubs in the Asteraceae family. Like other members of its genus, it induces gall formation on host plants. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Asteromyia clarkei
Asteromyia clarkei is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1909. The genus Asteromyia comprises gall-inducing midges that form characteristic star-shaped or rosette galls on asteraceous host plants. As a member of this genus, A. clarkei is associated with inducing galls on goldenrod (Solidago) species. The species is known from North America with documented observations primarily from the United States.
Asteromyia euthamiae
Euthamia leaf gall midge
Asteromyia euthamiae is a gall midge species described by Raymond Gagné in 1968. It is widely distributed across northern North America, where it induces leaf galls on Euthamia plants. The species is notable for producing distinctively colored galls with dark bodies and contrasting marginal bands.
Asteromyia gutierreziae
matchweed stem gout
Asteromyia gutierreziae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on various plants in the Asteraceae family. The species is black in color and measures approximately 3–5 mm in length. It has been documented on multiple host plants including species of Gutierrezia, Baccharis, and related genera. The common name 'matchweed stem gout' reflects its association with matchweed plants and its gall-forming habit.
Astictoneura
Astictoneura is a genus of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) containing at least two described species. The genus was established by Gagné in 1969. Species in this genus are associated with grasses in the family Poaceae.
Asynapta
Asynapta is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Porricondylinae. The genus contains approximately 49 species globally, with Asynapta groverae being the only member documented in South Korea. This species is notable as an invasive mycophagous pest that has established populations in indoor environments since 2008. The genus is characterized by small, delicate flies typical of the Cecidomyiidae family.
Asynaptini
Asynaptini is a tribe of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Porricondylinae. Members are small, delicate flies whose larvae develop in association with plants, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented for most taxa. The tribe is distinguished by morphological features of the adult antennae and genitalia. It is one of several tribes within the non-galling lineage Porricondylinae, which diverged from the gall-forming Cecidomyiinae.
Blaesodiplosis
Blaesodiplosis is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Gagné in 1973. The genus contains at least four described species, including species associated with hawthorn (Crataegus). Like other gall midges, members of this genus are presumed to induce gall formation on host plants, though specific biological details remain limited.
Blaesodiplosis crataegifolia
Blaesodiplosis crataegifolia is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. As a member of this family, it is presumed to induce galls on plant tissue, though specific host associations require verification. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States.
Calamomyia
Calamomyia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Gagné in 1969. Members of this genus are small flies that induce galls on grasses, particularly in the genus Calamagrostis. The genus is part of the diverse and economically significant gall midge fauna of North America.