Plant-galls
Guides
Cecidomyiinae
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiinae is the largest subfamily in Cecidomyiidae, comprising over 600 genera and more than 5,000 described species. The subfamily exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: approximately 75% of species are herbivorous, many inducing galls on plants, while others are fungivores, predators, or parasitoids. Gall-inducing species attack a wide diversity of host plants worldwide and represent the most ecologically diverse gall-inducing group of organisms. Members can be distinguished from other Cecidomyiidae by characters of the male genitalia, antennal segment number, and larval abdominal bristles.
Diplolepis
gall wasps, rose gall wasps
Diplolepis is a genus of gall-inducing wasps in the family Diplolepididae, most commonly associated with roses (Rosa spp.). These small wasps are notable for inducing complex, often conspicuous galls on their host plants through chemical manipulation of plant tissues. The genus includes both sexual and parthenogenetic species, with some like D. rosae reproducing primarily by thelytokous parthenogenesis. Diplolepis species exhibit intricate life cycles involving alternation between sexual and agamic generations, and their galls support diverse communities of parasitoids and inquilines.
Psylla
jumping plant lice, psyllids
Psylla is the type genus of the family Psyllidae, comprising small sap-sucking insects commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. The genus contains at least 110 described species, each typically associated with specific host plants. Psylla species are phloem-feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap. While some species in related genera such as Cacopsylla are significant agricultural pests, Psylla itself includes species with more restricted host ranges, including Psylla alni on alders, Psylla betulae on birches, and Psylla buxi on boxwood. The genus is distinguished from similar taxa by morphological features and host associations.