Gall-midge
Guides
Celticecis oviformis
Hackberry Spherical Stem Gall Midge
Celticecis oviformis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive spherical stem galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species is native to North America and has been documented through gall formation rather than direct observation of the adult midge. The galls are among the most conspicuous and structurally complex of hackberry galls, often persisting on branches for multiple years. The midge completes its life cycle within these galls, with larvae developing inside the protective plant tissue.
Celticecis pubescens
Hackberry Pubescent Gall Midge
Celticecis pubescens, commonly known as the hackberry pubescent gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species was first described by Patton in 1897. As a gall midge, it induces abnormal plant growths (galls) on its host plant. The genus Celticecis is associated with hackberry trees (Celtis species).
Celticecis pyriformis
Hackberry Pear-shaped Gall Midge
Celticecis pyriformis is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. The species induces distinctive pear-shaped galls on hackberry (Celtis) host plants. It is one of several Celticecis species specialized on Celtis species in North America. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations and taxonomic sources, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
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.
Celticecis spiniformis
Hackberry Thorn Gall Midge
Celticecis spiniformis, commonly known as the hackberry thorn gall midge, is a gall-inducing fly in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces distinctive thorn-like galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). It was first described by Patton in 1897 and is widely distributed across eastern North America where its host trees occur.
Celticecis subulata
Hackberry Awl-shaped Gall Midge
Celticecis subulata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Gagné in 2013. It induces distinctive awl-shaped galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species is part of a genus specialized on Celtis host plants, with gall morphology serving as a key diagnostic feature for species differentiation.
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.).
Cembrotia coloradensis
Cembrotia coloradensis is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, order Diptera. It is one of approximately 6,000 described species of gall midges worldwide. The species was described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1912. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with plant gall formation, though specific host plants and biology remain poorly documented.
Chilophaga
Chilophaga is a genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) established by Gagné in 1969. The genus includes species whose larvae develop in plant tissues, with Chilophaga virgati documented feeding on switchgrass inflorescences in the northern Great Plains. Members serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae.
Claspettomyia
Claspettomyia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Porricondylinae. Established by Grover in 1964, this genus is placed in the tribe Porricondylini. It is a poorly documented taxon with limited published information on its biology and morphology. Records indicate presence in Scandinavia.
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).
Clinodiplosis rhododendri
Rhododendron Gall Midge
Clinodiplosis rhododendri is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces gall formation on rhododendron plants. The species is known primarily from limited observations, with most records documenting its association with cultivated and native Rhododendron species. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected feeding structures. The species is of interest to horticulturists due to its potential impact on ornamental rhododendrons.
Clinodiplosis undescribed-species-on-persicaria
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Clinodiplosis (family Cecidomyiidae) associated with Persicaria plants. The species has not received formal taxonomic description, though its existence is documented through gall formation on host plants. As with other Clinodiplosis species, it likely induces characteristic plant galls during larval development. The specific epithet reflects its documented host association rather than a formally published name.
Clinodiplosis verbenae
Clinodiplosis verbenae is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Beutenmüller in 1907. The specific epithet 'verbenae' indicates an association with plants in the genus Verbena. Like other members of Clinodiplosis, this species is presumed to induce galls on host plants, though specific gall morphology has not been well documented in accessible literature. The species is known from relatively few observations.
Contarinia
Gall midges
Contarinia is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) containing over 300 described species. Adults are small, delicate flies with hairy wings, long antennae, and distinctive wing venation including an interrupted costal vein. The genus includes numerous agricultural pests whose larvae induce galls or feed on meristematic tissues of plants, particularly in the Brassicaceae, Poaceae, and other families. Several species cause significant economic damage to crops including sorghum, canola, citrus, and stone fruits.
Contarinia
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Contarinia that induces galls on incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens). As an undescribed species, it lacks formal scientific description and species epithet. It belongs to a large genus of cecidomyiid flies, many of which are specialized gall-formers on conifers and other plants.
Contarinia catalpae
Catalpa Midge
Contarinia catalpae is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae. As a member of the genus Contarinia, it is part of a diverse group of small flies whose larvae typically induce galls or feed within plant tissues. The specific epithet "catalpae" indicates an association with Catalpa trees, though detailed biological information for this particular species is limited in available sources.
Contarinia cerasiserotinae
Contarinia cerasiserotinae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It is one of numerous Contarinia species that induce galls on plants. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1871 and has been recorded in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. As with other gall midges, the larvae develop within plant tissue, causing characteristic gall formations.
Contarinia coloradensis
Contarinia coloradensis is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1912. As a member of the genus Contarinia, it is part of a diverse group of small flies known for inducing galls on plants. Very little specific information has been documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Contarinia negundinis
boxelder gall midge, boxelder bud gall midge, boxelder leaf gall midge
Contarinia negundinis, commonly known as the boxelder gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It induces galls on boxelder (Acer negundo) and is the only North American species in its genus known to enter diapause during the pupal stage. The species is distributed in parts of the United States including Vermont.
Contarinia partheniicola
Contarinia partheniicola is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. The specific epithet "partheniicola" indicates an association with Parthenium plants, suggesting a host-specific relationship with Parthenium hysterophorus or related species. As a member of the genus Contarinia, it likely shares the typical biology of gall midges, with larval stages inducing gall formation on host plant tissues. The species has been documented in the iNaturalist database with 26 observations, indicating some level of detection in the field, though detailed biological studies appear limited.
Contarinia sorghicola
sorghum midge
Contarinia sorghicola, the sorghum midge, is a gall midge and one of the most damaging insect pests of grain and forage sorghum. Adults are small, fragile, orange-red flies with yellow heads, brown antennae and legs, and gray membranous wings. Females lay eggs in flowering sorghum spikelets; larvae feed on developing ovaries, preventing kernel formation and causing empty glumes. The species has a global distribution across tropical and subtropical regions where sorghum is cultivated.
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-acacia
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Contarinia that induces galls on Acacia species. As a member of Cecidomyiidae, it is a small, delicate fly whose larvae develop within plant tissue, causing characteristic gall formations. The species has not been formally described in scientific literature, and its biology remains poorly documented.
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-boxelder
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Contarinia associated with boxelder (Acer negundo). As a member of the family Cecidomyiidae, this species likely forms galls or induces other plant growth abnormalities during larval development, though formal taxonomic description remains pending. The specific epithet reflects its documented association with this host plant rather than a formally published species name.
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Contarinia (family Cecidomyiidae) that forms galls on milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.). The species has not been formally described in scientific literature but has been documented in field observations. As with other Contarinia species, it likely has a narrow host association with milkweed. The informal designation indicates ongoing taxonomic work is needed.
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-oak
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Contarinia (family Cecidomyiidae) that induces galls on oak (Quercus). Members of this genus are small, delicate flies whose larvae develop within plant tissue, causing characteristic gall formations. This particular species awaits formal taxonomic description.
Contarinia verrucicola
Linden Wart Gall Midge
Contarinia verrucicola, commonly known as the linden wart gall midge, is a gall-forming midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces distinctive wart-like galls on linden trees (Tilia spp.). It was described by Osten Sacken in 1875. The species has been documented with over 1,700 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively common and well-recorded where its host plants occur.
Contarinia virginianiae
chokecherry midge, chokecherry gall midge
Contarinia virginianiae is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The larvae feed on developing fruit, causing enlargement and hollowing of the fruit into a pear-shaped gall. The species was described by Felt in 1906 and occurs in northern North America where its host plant is native.
Contarinia zauschneriae
California fuchsia gall midge
Contarinia zauschneriae is a gall midge species that induces distinctive roselle-form bud galls on Epilobium canum (California fuchsia), a flowering plant native to western North America. The species was first described by Ephraim Felt in 1912 based on specimens collected in the Puente Hills near Whittier, California. The galls are structurally complex, mimicking rosebuds in both form and coloration.
Craneiobia
Craneiobia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Kieffer in 1913. The genus contains at least two described species that induce distinctive tube-like galls on leaves of Cornus (dogwood) plants. These insects are specialized gall-formers with a narrow host association.
Craneiobia tuba
Craneiobia tuba is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive cylindrical galls on dogwood leaves. The species is known from four host plants in the genus Cornus. Adults emerge in spring to lay eggs on unfolding leaves, with galls developing by summer. Larvae complete development in fall, then overwinter underground in cocoons.
Cratotocha ampliata
Cratotocha ampliata is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Plakidas in 2017. It was originally described as Anaretella ampliata and later transferred to the genus Cratotocha. As a member of the subfamily Lestremiinae, it belongs to a group of cecidomyiids whose larvae typically develop in association with fungi or decaying organic matter rather than forming plant galls. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Anaretella ampliata in some taxonomic databases.
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni
Sea Grape Gall Midge
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the Sea Grape Gall Midge. It induces galls on sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), a coastal shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species is well-documented through iNaturalist observations, with over 790 records, indicating it is relatively common and readily observed by naturalists in its range. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected structures for larval development.
Cupressatia
Cupressatia is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) established in 2013 by Raymond Gagné. The genus is associated with cypress (Cupressaceae) hosts. Records indicate presence in northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden). As a recently described genus, detailed biological information remains limited.
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.
Cystiphora
Cystiphora is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Kieffer in 1892. The genus contains seven described species distributed across the Palearctic region and introduced to other areas for biological control. Species in this genus are specialized gall-formers on plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly genera Chondrilla, Taraxacum, and Sonchus. Several species have been investigated and deployed as biological control agents against agricultural weeds.
Cystiphora schmidti
rush skeletonweed gall midge, Rush Skeletonweed Gall
Cystiphora schmidti is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces small circular to ovoid raised galls on Chondrilla species, particularly Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed). Native to the eastern Mediterranean region from Greece to Iran, it has been introduced to Australia as a biological control agent against this invasive weed. The species completes all immature stages inside plant galls in 24–44 days, supporting 6–7 generations annually in favorable climates. It exhibits strict host specificity to the genus Chondrilla and is heavily parasitised by Eulophid wasps in its native range.
Cystiphora sonchi
Cystiphora sonchi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) native to Eurasia that has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for sow-thistles (Sonchus species). The larvae induce small, circular galls on the leaves of host plants, with females ovipositing through stomata of leaves in final growth stages. The species exhibits strict host specificity to the genus Sonchus, and has established populations in multiple Canadian provinces following intentional releases.
Dasineura
Dasineura is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae. Species in this genus are known for inducing galls on various host plants, including woody shrubs and trees. Some species are significant agricultural pests, such as Dasineura jujubifolia on jujube, which can reduce yields by at least 20%. The genus exhibits diverse gall morphologies, from simple leaf galls to complex flower-like structures formed by developmental reprogramming of host tissues.
Dasineura carbonaria
Dasineura carbonaria is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It forms galls on Euthamia graminifolia (grass-leaved goldenrod), a perennial herb native to North America. The species was described by Felt in 1907. Like other members of the genus Dasineura, this species induces plant tissue to form protective structures that house and nourish its developing larvae.
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 gleditchiae
honeylocust podgall midge, Gleditsia Gall Midge
Dasineura gleditchiae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces pod-like galls on honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). Native to North America, it has become established as an invasive species in parts of Europe, where it was first recorded in the late 20th century. The species is considered a minor pest in urban and ornamental settings due to its impact on host tree foliage.
Dasineura investita
Wood Nettle Gall Midge
Dasineura investita is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on wood nettle (Laportea canadensis). First described in 2016, this species produces oval to globose galls measuring 4–5 mm by 8–12 mm on various plant parts including petioles, leaves, leaf midribs, leaf veins, flowers, and stems. The galls exhibit variable coloration ranging from pale and white to red and green translucent. The species has two generations annually, with autumn-generation larvae overwintering inside the gall's central chamber.
Dasineura lupinorum
Dasineura lupinorum is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 1993. The specific epithet 'lupinorum' suggests an association with Lupinus (lupine) host plants, though specific gall morphology and biology have not been documented in the provided sources. As a member of the genus Dasineura, it is presumed to induce gall formation on plant tissue, with larvae developing within these structures.
Dasineura parthenocissi
Dasineura parthenocissi is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper). The species was described by Stebbins in 1910. Its galls are known to host the parasitic wasp Platygaster munita. The midge has been documented in the northeastern United States, with observations concentrated in Vermont.
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 pilosa
Dasineura pilosa is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Plakidas in 2016. As a member of the genus Dasineura, it is presumed to induce galls on host plants, though specific host associations and gall morphology for this species have not been documented in the provided sources. The genus is well-known for forming various types of plant galls on leaves, stems, or flowers.
Dasineura pudibunda
Hornbeam leaf gall midge
Dasineura pudibunda is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, known commonly as the hornbeam leaf gall midge. As with other members of its genus, this species induces gall formation on host plants. The specific host plant associations and gall morphology for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Dasineura salicifoliae
Dasineura salicifoliae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. As with other members of its genus, this species is associated with inducing gall formation on host plants. The specific epithet "salicifoliae" suggests an association with willow-like leaves (Salix-like foliage), though the precise host plant relationships and gall morphology require further documentation. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1866.
Dasineura serrulatae
Dasineura serrulatae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies known for inducing plant galls. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1862. Like other Dasineura species, it likely forms galls on specific host plants, though detailed host associations and biological data remain limited in the provided sources.