Asphondylia apicata
This record describes Asphondylia apicata (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Galls are green when fresh but turn a chocolate brown with age and have yellow or pale orange projections. Galls measure 7 mm long overall, with the lower swollen segment about 4 mm long by 2 mm in diameter. The thin projection is usually 3 mm long and less than 1 mm in width. Galls are usually found near the terminal buds of creosote .
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
"This species has been found from Arizona to Death Valley and the southern Mojave Desert ".
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asphondylia apicata. 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 apicata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider
Frequently Asked Questions About Asphondylia apicata
What is Asphondylia apicata?
Asphondylia apicata is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Asphondylia apicata?
Galls are green when fresh but turn a chocolate brown with age and have yellow or pale orange projections. Galls measure 7 mm long overall, with the lower swollen segment about 4 mm long by 2 mm in diameter. The thin projection is usually 3 mm long and less than 1 mm in width. Galls are usually found near the terminal buds of creosote .
Where is Asphondylia apicata found?
Range: This species has been found from Arizona to Death Valley and the southern Mojave Desert .