Gall-formers
Guides
Bibionomorpha
Gnats and Allies
Bibionomorpha is a diverse infraorder of lower Diptera (Nematocera) containing over 2,000 described species across ten extant families. The group includes economically and ecologically significant families such as Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats), Cecidomyiidae (gall midges), Sciaridae (dark-winged fungus gnats), and Bibionidae (march flies). Larvae are predominantly saprophagous or fungivorous, with the Cecidomyiidae being predominantly gall-formers. The infraorder originated in the Triassic, with major superfamilies diversifying from the late Triassic through the Cretaceous. The Anisopodidae is phylogenetically significant as the presumed sister taxon to the entire suborder Brachycera.
Eriophyidae
Gall and Rust Mites, Gall Mites, Four-legged Mites
Eriophyidae is a family of microscopic plant-parasitic mites comprising over 200 genera and approximately 3,600 described species, though estimates suggest the actual diversity may exceed 100,000 species. Members are commonly known as gall mites or rust mites due to their propensity to induce gall formation or cause rust-like discoloration on host plants. These mites possess worm-like bodies with only two pairs of legs, distinguishing them from most other mites. They are obligate parasites of vascular plants with high host specificity, typically specializing on single plant species or genera. The family includes significant agricultural pests such as the coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis), garlic mite (Aceria tulipae), and bermudagrass mite (Aceria cynodoniensis), as well as species used for biological control of weeds.
Myopitini
Myopitini is a tribe of fruit flies within the family Tephritidae, subfamily Tephritinae. The tribe comprises approximately eleven genera, including the well-known genus Urophora. Members are small to medium-sized flies, many of which are associated with plants in the family Asteraceae. The tribe has a primarily Palearctic distribution with some genera extending into other regions.
Opomyzoidea
Opomyzoidea is a superfamily of Diptera comprising approximately 11 families with diverse ecological specializations. Member families exhibit varied lifestyles including leaf mining (Agromyzidae), stem feeding in grasses (Anthomyzidae, Opomyzidae), gall formation (Fergusonina), fungal feeding (some Anthomyzidae, Asteiidae), sap feeding on trees (some Aulacigastridae, Odiniidae, Periscelididae), association with wood-boring insect galleries (Odiniidae), and inhabitation of water-filled plant cavities called phytotelmata (Aulacigastridae, Neurochaetidae, Periscelididae). The phylogeny of this group remains controversial, with molecular studies indicating it may not be monophyletic.
Pineus
Pineus is a genus of adelgids (family Adelgidae) comprising more than 20 described species. These insects are small, sap-feeding hemipterans specialized on conifer hosts, primarily Pinus (pines) and Picea (spruces). Species exhibit complex life cycles with multiple morphological forms, including winged and wingless generations, and some alternate between two host species. Several species are economically significant as pests of forestry and ornamental plantings.
Sphenoptera
A large genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) comprising over 1,000 described species. Species occupy diverse ecological niches including stem borers, gall formers, and root borers across multiple continents. Several species are economically significant as pests of agricultural crops, forestry trees, and medicinal plants, while others have been investigated for biological control of invasive weeds.
Thyrididae
Window-winged Moths, Picture-winged Leaf Moths
Thyrididae is a family of moths commonly known as window-winged or picture-winged leaf moths, distinguished by square or rectangular translucent spots on their wings. The family comprises the sole member of superfamily Thyridoidea, with over 760 described species worldwide and hundreds more awaiting description. Most species inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, with only about 12 species recorded in North America. Adults of many species are diurnal and colorful, exhibiting day-flying behavior unusual among moths.
Xyela
pine catkin sawflies, pine shoot gall sawflies
Xyela is a genus of primitive sawflies in the family Xyelidae, established in 1819. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 50 described species, including both extant and fossil taxa. Most species are associated with Pinus (pine) as larval hosts, developing inside staminate cones; one species, X. gallicaulis, forms shoot galls instead. Adults are early spring fliers often found on Salix or Alnus catkins near host pines.