Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed
This record describes Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae develop in distorted milkweed leaves. The gall was described as a swollen midrib fold in Felt but as a rolled leaf in Felt's unpublished notebook .
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
NY
Seasonal Activity
Adults were reared in August from larvae collected in July, so there is probably more than one generation per year .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known from swamp milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ) .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed. 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 Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed
What is Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed?
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed found?
Range: NY
What does Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed eat?
The diet of the Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed includes Known from swamp milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ) ..
When is Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed active?
Contarinia undescribed-species-on-milkweed: seasonal activity - Adults were reared in August from larvae collected in July, so there is probably more than one generation per year ..