Woolly Stem Gall Midge
Asphondylia floccosa
This record describes Asphondylia floccosa (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species can be most readily identified from its gall being a large, woolly stem gall not covered with small leaf clusters on Atriplex polycarpa , based on the key of Gagné 1989 . From this reference, Masses of galls are 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter on apices of plants in the summer and are 1-10 cm in diameter and farther down on the plant in the winter. They are monothalamous or polythalamous, white, sometimes pink basally.
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
Habitat
Host plant is Atriplex polycarpa .
Geographic Range
California
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asphondylia floccosa. 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 Woolly Stem Gall Midge (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Edward L. Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Woolly Stem Gall Midge
What is Woolly Stem Gall Midge?
Woolly Stem Gall Midge (Asphondylia floccosa) is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Woolly Stem Gall Midge?
This species can be most readily identified from its gall being a large, woolly stem gall not covered with small leaf clusters on Atriplex polycarpa , based on the key of Gagné 1989 . From this reference, Masses of galls are 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter on apices of plants in the summer and are 1-10 cm in diameter and farther down on the plant in the winter. They are monothalamous or polythalamous, white, sometimes pink basally.
Where is Woolly Stem Gall Midge found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Host plant is Atriplex polycarpa . |
| Range | California |