Sorghum Midge
Contarinia sorghicola
This record describes Contarinia sorghicola (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult is orange; newly hatched larva is colorless; it turns bright orange in later instars. Considered a pest of sorghum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Cecidomyiini
- Genus
- Contarinia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Worldwide. Introduced from Africa in the 1800s. In the US from Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Sorghum and Johnson grass are the primary hosts. It has been reported from 14 other grasses.
Life History
It overwinters as a larva in aborted sorghum seeds. Adults emerge in the spring and are attracted to flowers of the host plant. Larvae feed on spikelets and pupate there.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Coquillett
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Contarinia sorghicola. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sorghum Midge
What is Sorghum Midge?
Sorghum Midge (Contarinia sorghicola) is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Sorghum Midge?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 1.3 mm. |
| Female | 1.6 mm approximately |
How do you identify Sorghum Midge?
The adult is orange; newly hatched larva is colorless; it turns bright orange in later instars.
Where is Sorghum Midge found?
Range: Worldwide. Introduced from Africa in the 1800s. In the US from Virginia to Florida and as far west as Texas.
What does Sorghum Midge eat?
The diet of the Sorghum Midge includes Sorghum and Johnson grass are the primary hosts. It has been reported from 14 other grasses..
What is the life cycle of a Sorghum Midge?
It overwinters as a larva in aborted sorghum seeds. Adults emerge in the spring and are attracted to flowers of the host plant. Larvae feed on spikelets and pupate there.