Redcedar Cone Midge
Cupressatia thujae
This record describes Cupressatia thujae (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Oligotrophini
- Genus
- Cupressatia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Collected from Washington and British Columbia. The host plant is also found in the northern Rocky Mountains and in Oregon and northern California.
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge from cones in March.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on scales and seeds in cones of western redcedar ( Thuja plicata ).
Life History
Adults emerge and lay eggs on female flowers in early spring. Larvae feed in developing cones and spin coccoons in late summer. Pupae develop over the winter. (Hedlin, 1964)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cupressatia thujae. 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 Redcedar Cone Midge (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Redcedar Cone Midge
Where is Redcedar Cone Midge found?
Range: Collected from Washington and British Columbia. The host plant is also found in the northern Rocky Mountains and in Oregon and northern California.
What does Redcedar Cone Midge eat?
The diet of the Redcedar Cone Midge includes Larvae feed on scales and seeds in cones of western redcedar ( Thuja plicata )..
When is Redcedar Cone Midge active?
Redcedar Cone Midge: seasonal activity - Adults emerge from cones in March..
What is the life cycle of a Redcedar Cone Midge?
Adults emerge and lay eggs on female flowers in early spring. Larvae feed in developing cones and spin coccoons in late summer. Pupae develop over the winter. (Hedlin, 1964)