Lasioptera lorrainae
This record describes Lasioptera lorrainae (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Galls are spheroid, 5–8 mm in diameter, and occur in early summer on lateral twiglets and later near branch tips. Galls collected in Iowa were found subtending flower heads, but this has not been observed elsewhere. Each gall contains 1–11 yellow larvae, each in a separate chamber.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Lasiopterini
- Genus
- Lasioptera (Short-horned or scaly-veined gall midges)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CT, IA, MD, WV
Seasonal Activity
Larva/galls in early summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, P. virginianum
Life History
Probably just one generation per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Gagné, 2018 "This species is named to honor Sister Lorraine Gagné a.s.v. for her career as elementary school educator and her role as guardian angel to her siblings in their youth."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lasioptera lorrainae. 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 Lasioptera lorrainae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasioptera lorrainae
What is Lasioptera lorrainae?
Lasioptera lorrainae is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Lasioptera lorrainae found?
Range: CT, IA, MD, WV
What does Lasioptera lorrainae eat?
The diet of the Lasioptera lorrainae includes Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, P. virginianum.
When is Lasioptera lorrainae active?
Lasioptera lorrainae: seasonal activity - Larva/galls in early summer.
What is the life cycle of a Lasioptera lorrainae?
Probably just one generation per year.