Asphondylia neomexicana
This record describes Asphondylia neomexicana (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This midge is most easily identified from its gall. From the genus key of Gagné 1986 , they are detachable dense woolly, white, spherical bud galls on Atriplex canescens about 1 cm in diameter. The four-winged seed of the host can often be seen end-on protruding through the trichome covering, as illustrated in his Fig.
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 for gall is Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush) .
Geographic Range
New Mexico and California
Seasonal Activity
Galls occur in summer and fall .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asphondylia neomexicana. 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 neomexicana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Edward L. Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Asphondylia neomexicana
What is Asphondylia neomexicana?
Asphondylia neomexicana is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Asphondylia neomexicana?
Gall diameter is about 1 cm .
How do you identify Asphondylia neomexicana?
This midge is most easily identified from its gall. From the genus key of Gagné 1986 , they are detachable dense woolly, white, spherical bud galls on Atriplex canescens about 1 cm in diameter. The four-winged seed of the host can often be seen end-on protruding through the trichome covering, as illustrated in his Fig.
Where is Asphondylia neomexicana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Host for gall is Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush) . |
| Range | New Mexico and California |
When is Asphondylia neomexicana active?
Asphondylia neomexicana: seasonal activity - Galls occur in summer and fall ..