Gall-inducer
Guides
Aceria baccharices
Mule Fat Blister Mite, mulefat leaf-blister mite
Aceria baccharices is an eriophyid mite species native to North America that induces distinctive leaf galls on two host plants in the genus Baccharis. First described by Hartford H. Keifer in 1945, this microscopic arachnid creates warty, protruding galls on leaf surfaces that serve as protected nurseries for developing mite populations. The species exhibits strong host specificity, with populations in northern California associated primarily with Baccharis salicifolia and southern populations utilizing Baccharis glutinosa. Adults eventually exit the galls through anterior holes, which may remain visible on the leaf surface.
Aciurina
Aciurina is a genus of gall-inducing tephritid flies distributed in western North America. Species in this genus induce distinct morphological galls on host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly genera such as Chrysothamnus, Gutierrezia, and Baccharis. The genus has been taxonomically challenging due to overlapping wing patterns among species, but gall morphology provides reliable diagnostic characters. Several species are unusually abundant in the southwestern United States and serve as ecosystem engineers that support complex arthropod communities.
Alucitidae
Many-plumed Moths
Alucitidae, or many-plumed moths, are a family of small Lepidoptera distinguished by their unique wing structure. The family contains approximately 200 described species worldwide, primarily in the genera Alucita and Pterotopteryx. Larvae are typically gall-inducers or borers in flowers, fruits, and shoots of dicotyledonous plants, particularly in families Caprifoliaceae, Rubiaceae, and Dipsacaceae. Adults are frequently attracted to light and exhibit varying flight periods, with many species being bivoltine and hibernating as adults.
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.
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 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.
Apionini
Apionini is a tribe of small weevils within the subfamily Apioninae of the family Brentidae. Members are characterized by their compact body form and association with flowering plants, particularly in the legume family Fabaceae. The tribe exhibits ancient co-diversification patterns with angiosperms, with some subtribes such as Oxystomatina showing specialized host relationships. Brazilian representatives include genera such as Pygidiapion and Coelocephalapion, which develop in flower buds, seeds, or induce leaf galls on specific host plants.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
Callirhytis seminosa
Callirhytis seminosa is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, this species induces galls on oak hosts (Quercus spp.). The genus Callirhytis is known for forming distinct galls on oaks, with different species typically associated with specific oak species or gall morphologies. The specific epithet "seminosa" suggests a possible association with seed or acorn-related structures, though this remains speculative without direct observation.
Calophyidae
Calophyidae is a family of jumping plant lice (psyllids) within the superfamily Psylloidea (Hemiptera). Members of this family are phloem-feeding insects that induce galls on host plants, with several species studied as classical biological control agents for invasive weeds. The family contains four recognized subfamilies: Atmetocraniinae, Calophyinae, Metapsyllinae, and Symphorosinae. Notable genera include Calophya, which contains multiple species associated with Schinus species (Anacardiaceae).
Caloptilia
leaf cone moths, leaf blotch miner moths
Caloptilia is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as leaf cone moths or leaf blotch miner moths. Larvae are leaf miners that typically feed internally on leaf tissue during early instars, then later instars roll or fold leaves into protective cones or shelters where they complete development and pupate. The genus contains numerous species, many of which are host-specific to particular tree or shrub genera. Several species have become economically significant as pests of ornamental and horticultural plants, including Caloptilia fraxinella on ash trees and Caloptilia azaleella on azaleas.
Caryomyia inflata
Caryomyia inflata is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. As a member of the genus Caryomyia, it is associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.), inducing characteristic galls on host plant tissue. The species is distinguished by its specific gall morphology and host association.
Caryomyia stellata
Hickory Starry-base Gall Midge
Caryomyia stellata is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. It induces distinctive galls on hickory trees (Carya spp.), specifically forming star-shaped structures at the base of leaf petioles or twigs. The species is part of a genus of gall midges specialized on hickory hosts. Like other cecidomyiids, it has a complete metamorphosis life cycle with larvae developing inside plant tissue.
Caryomyia subulata
Hickory Awl-shaped Gall Midge
A species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. Known by the common name "Hickory Awl-shaped Gall Midge," this species induces distinctive galls on hickory trees. As a member of the genus Caryomyia, it belongs to a group specialized on Carya (hickory) hosts. The specific epithet "subulata" refers to the awl-shaped form of the gall it produces.
Celticecis ramicola
Celticecis ramicola is a gall midge species described by Gagné in 2013, belonging to the family Cecidomyiidae. Members of this genus are associated with Celtis (hackberry) host plants and induce galls on various plant tissues. The specific epithet 'ramicola' refers to branch-dwelling habits, indicating this species forms galls on hackberry branches. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited in published literature.
Cembrotia
Cembrotia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. Members of this genus are small, delicate flies whose larvae induce gall formation on host plants. The genus is relatively recently described and contains species associated with conifers, particularly cedars (Cedrus spp.).
Clinodiplosis
Clinodiplosis is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) established by Kieffer in 1894. Species in this genus are gall inducers that form stem galls on host plants across multiple families including Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, and Urticaceae. The genus has been documented in Brazil and has distribution records in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Vermont).
Coelocephalapion
Coelocephalapion is a genus of small weevils in the family Brentidae (subfamily Apioninae) established by Wagner in 1914. Species in this genus exhibit diverse feeding strategies including florivory, seed predation, and gall induction. The genus is primarily Neotropical in distribution, with documented associations spanning multiple plant families including Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Verbenaceae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for invasive plants.
Cupressatia thujae
Cupressatia thujae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It is one of few described species in the genus Cupressatia. The species is known to induce galls on Thuja species, members of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). Very few observations exist, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or underreported.
Cydia gallaesaliciana
Willow Gall Moth
A small tortricid moth known for inducing galls on willow (Salix) hosts. The species was described by Riley in 1881 and has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. Like other Cydia species, it develops through complete metamorphosis with larval stages associated with plant tissue modification.
Cyphocleonus achates
knapweed root weevil
Cyphocleonus achates is a Eurasian root-feeding weevil introduced to North America as a classical biological control agent against invasive knapweeds, particularly spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) and diffuse knapweed (C. diffusa). Adults are flightless, large-bodied weevils that feed on foliage, while larvae cause significant damage by mining into root cortex and inducing gall formation. The species has established populations across much of the western United States and is considered one of the most damaging root-feeding insects on knapweed in its native range.
Dasineura crataegibedeguar
hawthorn button-top gall midge
Dasineura crataegibedeguar is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on hawthorns (Crataegus spp.). The species is known for forming button-top or bedeguar-like galls on host plant tissues. Like other Dasineura species, it has a complex life cycle involving gall induction and larval development within plant tissue. The species was originally described by Osten Sacken in 1878 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Blaesodiplosis.
Dasineura pellex
ash bullet gall midge
Dasineura pellex, commonly known as the ash bullet gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces distinctive bullet-shaped galls on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Like other members of the genus Dasineura, it is a specialist herbivore with a close association to its host plant. The species has been documented across parts of North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont.
Dasineura trifolii
clover leaf midge
Dasineura trifolii is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the clover leaf midge. The species induces gall formation on clover plants (Trifolium spp.), with larvae developing within the leaf tissue. Like other Dasineura species, it exhibits the typical cecidomyiid life cycle involving complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The specific gall morphology and precise host range within the genus Trifolium require further documentation.
Dasineura tumidosae
Ash Petiole Gall Midge
Dasineura tumidosae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). The species is known primarily from its association with ash petioles, where larvae develop within characteristic swellings. Like other Dasineura species, it has a narrow host range tied to specific plant tissues. The midge has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Diastrophus turgidus
Diastrophus turgidus is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, first described by Bassett in 1870. It is known to induce galls on brambles (Rubus species), particularly affecting the stems or fruits of raspberry and blackberry plants. The species is recorded from multiple provinces across central and eastern Canada. Like other members of the genus Diastrophus, it has a complex life cycle involving both sexual and asexual generations, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Ectoedemia populella
Poplar Petiole Gall Moth, Aspen Petiole Gall Moth
A minute North American moth in the family Nepticulidae. Larvae induce distinctive globular galls on the petioles of Populus species. Adults are active in spring following larval overwintering in galls. The species is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains.
Epichrysomallidae
Epichrysomallidae is a family of minute gall-forming wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Formerly classified as a subfamily of Pteromalidae, it was elevated to family rank based on molecular phylogenetic evidence showing closer relationships to other gall-forming chalcid wasps. Members are obligate associates of fig trees (Ficus), inducing galls in figs, on leaves, or on twigs. The family contains approximately 20 described genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions.
Eugnosta
Eugnosta is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Cochylini. The genus was first reported from Chile in 2015 with the description of Eugnosta azapaensis, a gall-inducing species associated with Baccharis salicifolia in the northern Atacama Desert. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with host plants, with at least some species inducing galls on Asteraceae.
Frumenta nundinella
Mottled Twirler
Frumenta nundinella is a gelechiid moth with two generations per year in temperate North America. It is an obligate specialist on Solanum carolinense (horsenettle), with larvae inducing characteristic leaf shelters in the first generation and feeding within fruits in the second generation. The species is notable for inducing parthenocarpic fruit development in its host, creating galls within which larvae complete development. Adults overwinter and emerge to oviposit on new shoot tips in late spring.
Hemadas
Hemadas is a genus of small chalcidoid wasps in the family Ormyridae, established by Crawford in 1909. The genus contains gall-inducing species, most notably Hemadas nubilipennis, which forms distinctive kidney-shaped (reniform), multichambered stem galls on lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium). These wasps exhibit a rare behavioral trait: females damage host plant tissues after oviposition to benefit offspring. Research has demonstrated that galls induced by Hemadas species accumulate environmental contaminants at concentrations significantly higher than surrounding plant tissues, suggesting potential applications in environmental monitoring.
Hemadas nubilipennis
Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp
Hemadas nubilipennis is a tiny chalcid wasp in the family Ormyridae that induces distinctive kidney-shaped (reniform), multichambered stem galls on lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium). The female oviposits into shoot tissue 5–15 mm below the apex, then destroys the shoot tip by stinging it with her ovipositor. This structural damage terminates shoot growth and redirects nutrients to gall tissue and larval development—a rare example of parental investment through deliberate host tissue damage. The wasp has been studied for its economic impact on blueberry production and, more recently, for the galls' ability to accumulate environmental contaminants, making them useful as pollution detectors.
Holocynips
Holocynips is a genus of oak gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, established by Kieffer in 1910. The genus occurs in the Nearctic region and contains species that induce galls on oak trees (Quercus). A 2023 description of H. illinoiensis prompted preliminary discussion on the coherence of the genus, suggesting taxonomic boundaries may require revision.
Lasioptera
Lasioptera is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 140 described species. Species in this genus are primarily known for inducing galls on host plants, with larvae developing inside plant tissues. Some species have established complex relationships with fungi, including ambrosia fungus feeding. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the Mediterranean tomato gall midge (L. tomaticola) and a stem-boring pest on tomatoes reported from Greece and Turkey. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions, with host associations including Rubus (raspberry/blackberry), tomato, Arundo donax (giant reed), Leea indica, and various other plants.
Lonicerae lonicera
Honeysuckle gall midge
Lonicerae lonicera is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on honeysuckle plants (genus Lonicera). As a member of the gall midges, this species represents one of many cecidomyiids specialized in manipulating host plant tissue to form protective structures for larval development. The genus name Lonicerae directly references its association with honeysuckle hosts.
Lopesia
Lopesia is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with most described species from Brazil. Species in this genus are specialized gall inducers on diverse host plants, with documented associations including Fabaceae (Mimosa, Dalbergia, Lonchocarpus, Andira), Pontederiaceae (Eichhornia), Dilleniaceae (Davilla), and Melastomataceae (Leandra). Gall morphology varies considerably among species, including bivalve-shaped leaf galls, rhizome galls, and galls on reproductive structures. Development involves complete metamorphosis with three larval instars, pupation occurring within the gall, and adult emergence from senescent galls.
Momphinae
mompha moths
Momphinae is a subfamily of small moths within Coleophoridae, historically treated as the separate family Momphidae. The group comprises approximately 115 described species, many of which remain poorly known. Larvae are concealed feeders with specialized habits: they function as leaf miners, seed borers, stem borers, gall inducers, or floral parasites. Host associations are typically narrow, with many species specializing on particular plant families including Onagraceae and Melastomataceae.
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 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 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.
Paradiplosis
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.
Pegomya
Pegomya is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae comprising diverse species with varied larval feeding strategies. Larvae exhibit leaf mining, stem boring, gall induction, seed feeding, and mycophagy. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including those attacking sugar beet, spinach, and cruciferous crops. Some species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.