Apagodiplosis papyriferae
This record describes Apagodiplosis papyriferae (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Causes swellings in birch stems, buds, and petiole bases, containing several larvae in separate cells. Bud and stem mortality results from girdling.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Lopesiini
- Genus
- Apagodiplosis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known from Quebec, Michigan, Washington, and Oregon.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Described from paper birch ( Betula papyrifera ); possibly on other birches.
Life History
"Galls appear in midsummer. Full-grown larvae drop to the ground in late September and form cocoons in which they overwinter. Adults emerge in mid-May and lay eggs at bases of leaves on new terminals."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Apagodiplosis papyriferae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Apagodiplosis papyriferae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Apagodiplosis papyriferae
What is Apagodiplosis papyriferae?
Apagodiplosis papyriferae is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Apagodiplosis papyriferae found?
Range: Known from Quebec, Michigan, Washington, and Oregon.
What does Apagodiplosis papyriferae eat?
The diet of the Apagodiplosis papyriferae includes Described from paper birch ( Betula papyrifera ); possibly on other birches..
What is the life cycle of a Apagodiplosis papyriferae?
Galls appear in midsummer. Full-grown larvae drop to the ground in late September and form cocoons in which they overwinter. Adults emerge in mid-May and lay eggs at bases of leaves on new terminals.