Contarinia zauschneriae
This record describes Contarinia zauschneriae (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
For more detailed discussion of this gall & gall inducer...see remarks & comments under the posts below:
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
Known from California.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae create bud galls in Epilobium canum .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The specific epithet, zauschneriae , refers to the old name (current in 1912) for the host plant: Zauschneria californica , now referred to as Epilobium canum .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Contarinia zauschneriae. 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 zauschneriae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Contarinia zauschneriae
What is Contarinia zauschneriae?
Contarinia zauschneriae is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Contarinia zauschneriae found?
Range: Known from California.
What is the life cycle of a Contarinia zauschneriae?
Larvae create bud galls in Epilobium canum .