Asphondylia ambrosiae
This record describes Asphondylia ambrosiae (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Produces multi-celled, fuzzy bud or flower galls on ragweed ( Ambrosia spp.). The larval cells are lined with a white fungus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Asphondyliini
- Genus
- Asphondylia (Bud gall midges)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Florida, Texas, and California
Seasonal Activity
Adults in Florida have been documented emerging from galls in September, January, and February.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae pupate inside the gall.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Gagne, 1975
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asphondylia ambrosiae. 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 Asphondylia ambrosiae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Asphondylia ambrosiae
What is Asphondylia ambrosiae?
Asphondylia ambrosiae is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Asphondylia ambrosiae found?
Range: Florida, Texas, and California
When is Asphondylia ambrosiae active?
Asphondylia ambrosiae: seasonal activity - Adults in Florida have been documented emerging from galls in September, January, and February..
What is the life cycle of a Asphondylia ambrosiae?
Larvae pupate inside the gall.