Asteromyia carbonifera
This record describes Asteromyia carbonifera (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Induces flat, circular galls in the leaves of various goldenrods ( Solidago ). The galls contain a symbiotic fungus, Botryosphaeria dothidea , which the larva apparently does not eat. One to ten or more larvae develop in each gall. Color and size of the gall vary by host species and number of larvae. The fungus seems to confer some protection against parasitoid wasps. Females carry spores of the fungus.
Wikipedia reference for Asteromyia carbonifera: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteromyia_carbonifera.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Alycaulini
- Genus
- Asteromyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Across North America.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Goldenrod is the host plant
Life History
Females lay eggs on the undersides of goldenrod leaves. Development from egg to adult takes 4-5 weeks. There are several generations per year. 1. Galls, 2. Larva, 3. Pupae and adults, 4. Adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Osten Sacken, 1862
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asteromyia carbonifera. 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 Asteromyia carbonifera (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , MJ Hatfield
Frequently Asked Questions About Asteromyia carbonifera
What is Asteromyia carbonifera?
Asteromyia carbonifera is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Asteromyia carbonifera found?
Range: Across North America.
What does Asteromyia carbonifera eat?
The diet of the Asteromyia carbonifera includes Goldenrod is the host plant.
What is the life cycle of a Asteromyia carbonifera?
Females lay eggs on the undersides of goldenrod leaves. Development from egg to adult takes 4-5 weeks. There are several generations per year. 1. Galls, 2. Larva, 3. Pupae and adults, 4. Adult