Cecidomyiidae
Guides
Neolasioptera
Neolasioptera is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) comprising at least 130 described species. Species are primarily gall-inducers on diverse flowering plants, with documented associations across at least 43 plant families. The genus is most diverse in the Neotropics, particularly Brazil, with additional records from North America. Several species have been evaluated for biological control of invasive weeds.
Neolasioptera allioniae
Neolasioptera allioniae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces galls on plants in the genus Allionia (Nyctaginaceae). It has been recorded from Colorado to Texas, with its range potentially extending more widely based on the distribution of its host plants. The species was described by Felt in 1911.
Neolasioptera boehmeriae
Boehmeria stem gall midge
Neolasioptera boehmeriae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the Boehmeria stem gall midge. The species induces galls on false nettles (Boehmeria spp.), with which it has a specialized host relationship. It occurs in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. The species was first described by Beutenmüller in 1908.
Neolasioptera clematidis
Neolasioptera clematidis is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. The specific epithet 'clematidis' suggests an association with plants in the genus Clematis. As with other gall midges, this species likely induces gall formation on host plants.
Neolasioptera cornicola
Neolasioptera cornicola is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Beutenmüller in 1907. As a member of the genus Neolasioptera, it is associated with inducing galls on plants. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States.
Neolasioptera desmodii
Neolasioptera desmodii is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. As a member of the genus Neolasioptera, it is associated with inducing galls on host plants. The specific epithet "desmodii" indicates a relationship with plants in the genus Desmodium.
Neolasioptera erigerontis
Neolasioptera erigerontis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1907. The specific epithet "erigerontis" indicates an association with plants in the genus Erigeron (fleabanes). Like other members of its genus, this species is presumed to induce galls on its host plants. The species is documented in North American collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations.
Neolasioptera impatientifolia
Neolasioptera impatientifolia is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. The species forms galls on jewelweed (Impatiens species), with the specific epithet reflecting this host association. It is one of numerous Neolasioptera species specialized on particular host plants. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States.
Neolasioptera imprimata
Neolasioptera imprimata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species has been documented in association with specific host plants, forming characteristic gall structures. As with other members of the genus Neolasioptera, it is presumed to be a specialist on particular plant species, though detailed ecological studies remain limited. The species was described based on morphological characteristics of adult specimens.
Neolasioptera lathami
Neolasioptera lathami is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1971. The species is associated with goldenrod (Solidago) host plants, where it induces stem galls. It has been documented in 745 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate public awareness and detectability. As a member of Neolasioptera, it belongs to a genus of gall midges specialized on asteraceous plants.
Neolasioptera lycopi
Neolasioptera lycopi is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. The specific epithet "lycopi" indicates an association with plants in the genus Lycopus (water horehound). As with other members of its genus, this species likely induces gall formation on its host plant, though specific gall morphology remains undocumented in available sources. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States.
Neolasioptera nodulosa
nodular stem gall midge
Neolasioptera nodulosa is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the nodular stem gall midge. The species induces characteristic nodular galls on host plant stems. It was first described by Beutenmüller in 1907. As a member of the gall midge family, it is part of a diverse group of flies whose larvae develop within plant tissue, causing distinctive growth deformities.
Neolasioptera perfoliata
Boneset Stem Midge
Neolasioptera perfoliata is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The common name "Boneset Stem Midge" indicates its association with boneset plants (Eupatorium species). As a gall midge, it induces gall formation on host plants during its larval development. The species was described by Felt in 1907.
Neolasioptera rudbeckiae
Neolasioptera rudbeckiae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The specific epithet 'rudbeckiae' indicates an association with Rudbeckia (coneflowers), suggesting this species forms galls on these plants. As a member of the genus Neolasioptera, it belongs to a group of gall midges known for inducing stem and leaf galls on Asteraceae. The species was described by E.P. Felt in 1908.
Neolasioptera species-on-lithospermum
Neolasioptera species-on-lithospermum is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species is named for its association with Lithospermum plants, indicating a specific host relationship. As with other members of the genus Neolasioptera, this species likely induces gall formation on its host plant, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The species epithet reflects its documented occurrence on Lithospermum rather than a formal Latin species name.
Neolasioptera undescribed-species-on-erechtites
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Neolasioptera that forms galls on plants of the genus Erechtites. Like other members of this genus, it induces gall formation on host plant tissues. The species remains formally undescribed in the scientific literature. Its association with Erechtites distinguishes it from described congeners that attack other host plants.
Neolasioptera verbesinae
Neolasioptera verbesinae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species name refers to the genus Verbesina, suggesting an association with plants in this genus. Like other members of Neolasioptera, this species likely induces galls on its host plants. The species was described by Möhn in 1964.
Neolasioptera vernoniae
Neolasioptera vernoniae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. As a member of the genus Neolasioptera, it induces galls on host plants. The species was originally described by Beutenmüller in 1907 under the basionym Cecidomyia vernoniae.
Neolasioptera willistoni
Neolasioptera willistoni is a species of gall midge (family Cecidomyiidae) described by Cockerell in 1898. Originally described as Lasioptera willistoni, it was later transferred to the genus Neolasioptera. As a gall midge, this species is presumed to induce gall formation on plant tissue during its larval development, though specific host plants and gall morphology remain undocumented in available sources. The species has been recorded in observation databases but detailed biological studies are limited.
Neostenoptera
Neostenoptera is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) established by Meunier in 1902. For over a century, the genus was known only from two African records: one species described from copal (young amber) and another collected alive in the Congo. The 2016 discovery of Neostenoptera appalachiensis in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, marked the first New World record of the genus, extending its known distribution to eastern North America. The genus belongs to the tribe Heteropezini within the subfamily Porricondylinae.
Neostenoptera appalachiensis
Appalachian gall midge
Neostenoptera appalachiensis is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) described in 2016 from specimens collected in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. It represents the first record of the genus Neostenoptera in the New World; the genus was previously known only from African copal amber and a single living species from the Congo. The species name references the Appalachian Mountains, where the type series was collected.
Obolodiplosis robiniae
locust gall midge, black locust gall midge
Obolodiplosis robiniae is a small gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) native to eastern North America that has become a significant invasive pest in Eurasia. The species is monophagous on Robinia species, particularly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), forming distinctive leaf margin roll galls through gregarious larval feeding. First described from Pennsylvania in 1847, it was detected in Asia in 2002-2003 (Japan, Korea) and Europe in 2003 (Italy), subsequently spreading explosively to 26 European countries and much of China. Climate modeling predicts substantial northward range expansion under warming scenarios, with suitable habitat potentially increasing by 35% by 2070. The midge reduces host tree growth and productivity, causes early leaf abscission, and facilitates secondary pest attacks by wood-boring beetles.
Oligotrophini
Oligotrophini is a large tribe of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) containing over 300 described species across approximately 40 genera. Members are small flies known for inducing galls on diverse host plants. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) and numerous species associated with woody plants.
Oligotrophus betheli
Juniper Tip Midge
Oligotrophus betheli is a gall midge native to North America that induces galls on Juniperus horizontalis (Cupressaceae). It was first recorded as an alien species in Japan, where it was found on introduced ornamental host plants. The species causes characteristic discoloration of young twig tips on its host.
Olpodiplosis helianthi
Olpodiplosis helianthi is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Brodie in 1894. The specific epithet 'helianthi' indicates an association with sunflower (Helianthus). As a member of Cecidomyiidae, this species is likely involved in gall formation on host plants, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the available literature.
Ozirhincus
Ozirhincus is a Palearctic genus of gall midges (family Cecidomyiidae) characterized by elongated rostra. Larvae develop within seeds of Asteraceae plants, making them seed-feeding specialists rather than typical gall-formers. The genus was revised in 2015 using both morphological and molecular data, clarifying species boundaries and relationships. Adults are small, delicate flies with distinctive elongated mouthparts adapted for accessing seed tissues.
Ozirhincus millefolii
A gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species name 'millefolii' indicates association with Achillea millefolium (yarrow), a common host plant for this genus. Larvae develop within flower heads, inducing galls. Adults are small, delicate flies typical of the family.
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus
Hackberry Disc Gall Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisumbilicus is a species of hackberry psyllid that produces distinctive disc-shaped galls on hackberry leaves (Celtis spp.). Adults emerge in fall and seek shelter to overwinter, often becoming household nuisances when they congregate on building exteriors. The species is one of at least seven Pachypsylla species associated with hackberry in North America, each producing a characteristic gall morphology.
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balsam gall midge (for P. tumifex)
Paradiplosis is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) containing at least four described species. The genus is best known for P. tumifex, the balsam gall midge, which induces characteristic needle galls on balsam fir and is a significant pest in Christmas tree plantations. Other species include P. abietispectinatae, P. manii, and P. obesa. Species in this genus are associated with coniferous hosts and exhibit specialized gall-inducing behaviors.
Peracecis fugitiva
Hackberry Blister Gall Midge
Peracecis fugitiva is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. It is commonly known as the Hackberry Blister Gall Midge due to its association with hackberry trees (Celtis species), where it induces blister-like galls on leaves. The species is part of a genus containing other gall-forming midges, though specific details of its biology remain limited in published literature.
Piceacecis
Piceacecis is a genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) described by Gagné in 2014. The genus is associated with spruce trees (genus Picea), as indicated by its etymology. As a recently described genus within the diverse gall midge family, its species are likely specialized in inducing galls on spruce foliage or shoots. The genus has been recorded from Denmark.
Piceacecis tsugae
white spruce shoot gall midge
Piceacecis tsugae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on spruce shoots. The specific epithet "tsugae" suggests an association with hemlock (Tsuga), though this species is documented on spruce (Picea). It is a poorly studied species with limited observational records.
Pilodiplosis helianthibulla
Sawtooth Sunflower Midge
Pilodiplosis helianthibulla is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). The species was described by Walsh in 1866 and is widely distributed across North America where its host plants occur. Larvae develop within stem or leaf galls, with adults emerging to mate and oviposit on new host tissue. The common name "Sawtooth Sunflower Midge" reflects its association with Helianthus grosseserratus and related species.
Pinyonia
Pinyon Spindle Gall Midge
Pinyonia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae. The genus contains at least one described species, P. edulicola, which forms spindle-shaped galls on pinyon pine needles. These insects are small flies that induce abnormal plant growth through larval feeding activity.
Pinyonia edulicola
Pinyon Spindle Gall Midge, Pinyon Spindlegall Midge
A tiny gall-forming midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces spindle-shaped galls on developing pinyon pine needles. Adult emergence occurs in mid-June to mid-July. Heavy infestations cause premature needle drop and substantial defoliation, making it a pest of concern in urban landscapes of Colorado.
Platygastrinae
Platygastrinae is a subfamily of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae. Members are characterized by their extremely small size, often under 2 mm, and specialized parasitoid biology targeting gall midges (Cecidomyiidae). The subfamily includes approximately 50+ genera, with Synopeas, Leptacis, and Platygaster being among the most studied. Many species exhibit elongated metasomas, though the functional significance of this trait remains unknown. Several species have been documented as biological control agents for agricultural pests, including the recently confirmed parasitoid of soybean gall midge, Synopeas ruficoxum.
Polystepha
Polystepha is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Kieffer in 1897. The genus contains more than 20 described species. Like other gall midges, species in this genus are likely associated with plant tissue modification, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Polystepha globosa
Polystepha globosa is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies known for inducing galls on plants. The species was described by Felt in 1909. Gall midges in this genus are associated with oak species (Quercus), where larvae develop within plant tissue and cause characteristic gall formations.
Polystepha pilulae
Oak Leaf Gall Midge
Polystepha pilulae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, known for inducing distinctive leaf galls on oaks in the red oak group (Quercus sect. Lobatae). The species is found in eastern North America. The galls are circular, thick-walled structures formed on the upper leaf surface between veins.
Porricondylinae
gall midges, wood midges
Porricondylinae is a subfamily of gall midges and wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). Members are primarily mycophagous (fungus-feeding), with larvae developing in decaying wood, fungi, or other organic substrates. The subfamily contains three tribes—Asynaptini, Dicerurini, and Porricondylini—encompassing over 100 described genera. Many species exhibit distinctive roosting behavior on spider webs, where they suspend themselves from non-sticky foundation threads to avoid predation.
Porricondylini
Porricondylini is a tribe of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) within the subfamily Porricondylinae. The group has undergone recent taxonomic revision in Sweden, resulting in the description of 19 new species across 10 genera, including one new genus (Oelandyla). The tribe comprises small, delicate flies whose taxonomy relies heavily on detailed morphological study of male genitalia and other structures under transmitted-light microscopy.
Primavera porrecta
Primavera porrecta is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a family known for inducing plant galls. The genus Primavera is poorly documented, and this species has been recorded in only three observations on iNaturalist. Like other cecidomyiids, it likely has a complex life cycle involving larval development within plant tissue. The species name "porrecta" refers to something extended or stretched forward, possibly alluding to morphological features.
Prodiplosis violicola
Prodiplosis violicola is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. As a member of the genus Prodiplosis, it belongs to a group of cecidomyiids known for inducing galls on host plants. The species epithet 'violicola' suggests an association with Viola species (violets), though specific host relationships require verification.
Protaplonyx sarcobati
Greasewood Leaf Gall
Protaplonyx sarcobati is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, known for inducing galls on leaves of greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus). The species was originally described by Felt in 1914 as Aplonyx sarcobati and later transferred to Protaplonyx. It is documented from limited observations in western North America.
Rabdophaga
Willow Gall Midges
Rabdophaga is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae comprising approximately 105 species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The genus is predominantly associated with willows (Salix spp.), where larvae induce characteristic galls; most species are host-specific to particular willow species or sections. A notable exception is R. giraudiana, which forms stem galls on poplars (Populus spp.), and a 2016 record documents the first Rabdophaga species on a non-Salicaceae host, Symplocos cochinchinensis (Symplocaceae). Species within the genus exhibit varying degrees of host fidelity, with some showing strong preference-performance relationships and others demonstrating broader host ranges across willow sections.
Rabdophaga rigidae
willow beaked-gall midge
Rabdophaga rigidae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces characteristic galls in willow terminal buds. The species is native to North America and was formerly thought to occur in eastern Asia, but Asian populations have been reclassified as the distinct species R. salicivora. Larval development occurs within galls, with adults emerging in spring.
Rabdophaga rosacea
rose rosette gall midge, rose rosette midge
Rabdophaga rosacea is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive rosette galls on native roses (Rosa spp.). The species was first described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1908 from specimens collected in Manitoba, Canada. The galls form on terminal buds, creating tightly packed leafy rosettes with a central cavity that houses the developing midge larvae. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'rod-eater', while the specific epithet refers to its rose hosts. A 2014 taxonomic proposal suggested transferring this species to the broadly defined genus Dasineura, though both genera remain within the tribe Dasineurini.
Rabdophaga salicisbatatus
Potato Gall Midge, Tuber-gall Midge
Rabdophaga salicisbatatus is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive stem galls on willows (Salicaceae). The species is commonly known as the potato gall midge or tuber-gall midge, referencing the swollen, tuber-like galls it produces. It has been documented across much of North America with over 1,100 iNaturalist observations. The adult midge is small and inconspicuous, with the galls being the most visible sign of its presence.
Resseliella
Resseliella is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 50 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably R. maxima (soybean gall midge) which threatens soybean production in the north-central United States, as well as R. citrifrugis, a major citrus pest in China, and R. theobaldi (raspberry cane midge), an important pest of cultivated red raspberry in Europe. Some species exhibit mutualistic relationships with plants, such as R. kadsurae which pollinates Kadsura longipedunculata in China.
Resseliella clavula
Dogwood Club Gall Midge, Dogwood Clubgall Midge
Resseliella clavula is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive club-shaped galls on flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The species is known to alter host plant reproduction and architecture, causing infested trees to produce more flowers but fewer fruits. Galled branches exhibit increased branching and shortened internodes compared to ungalled branches.