Mesquite Gall Midge
Asphondylia prosopidis
This record describes Asphondylia prosopidis (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult midges have simplified wing veination; females have an unusual ovipositor, needle-shaped with a structure at the base that may infect host plants with the midge's symbiotic fungus. The pupal stage has a pair of sclerotized horns that allow the pupa to bore its way through the gall's surface before the adult midge emerges. South African biologists are studying this midge as a potential biological control mechanism for mesquite in countries where it is an invasive exotic. They are concerned that the midge may potentially jump hosts to attack native Acacia species that are a major factor of native ecosystems in Africa.
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
Anywhere inhabited by Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) or Velvet Mesquite (P. velutina)
Geographic Range
From Hatch NM south at least to the LRGV of Texas, west to Tucson AZ. Likely ranges more extensively but study of this species has been limited.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The larvae within apparently feed on a fungus that grows within the galls with them.
Life History
The female fly oviposits in the flowers. The subsequent gall formation prevents the pod from forming seeds. The pupa emerges part-way from the gall before the adult completes shedding its pupal skin, leaving that skin sticking out of the gall surface.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asphondylia prosopidis. 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 Mesquite Gall Midge (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesquite Gall Midge
What is Mesquite Gall Midge?
Mesquite Gall Midge (Asphondylia prosopidis) is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Mesquite Gall Midge?
Adult midges have simplified wing veination; females have an unusual ovipositor, needle-shaped with a structure at the base that may infect host plants with the midge's symbiotic fungus. The pupal stage has a pair of sclerotized horns that allow the pupa to bore its way through the gall's surface before the adult midge emerges.
Where is Mesquite Gall Midge found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Anywhere inhabited by Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) or Velvet Mesquite (P. velutina) |
| Range | From Hatch NM south at least to the LRGV of Texas, west to Tucson AZ. Likely ranges more extensively but study of this species has been limited. |
What does Mesquite Gall Midge eat?
The diet of the Mesquite Gall Midge includes The larvae within apparently feed on a fungus that grows within the galls with them..
What is the life cycle of a Mesquite Gall Midge?
The female fly oviposits in the flowers. The subsequent gall formation prevents the pod from forming seeds. The pupa emerges part-way from the gall before the adult completes shedding its pupal skin, leaving that skin sticking out of the gall surface.