Neolasioptera allioniae
This record describes Neolasioptera allioniae (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
- Alycaulini
- Genus
- Neolasioptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Recorded from Colorado and Texas but could be as widespread as its host plants.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Galls in Allionia (Nyctaginaceae), but the sense in which the name is used is unclear. The catalog lists also " A. nyctaginae " which is probably the species now called Mirabilis nyctaginea .
Life History
"Swellings are polythalamous, tapered, 1.5 to 2 cm long, and usually near a node. Larvae overwinter in the stem and pupate in spring."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after the host plant.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neolasioptera allioniae. 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 Neolasioptera allioniae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Neolasioptera allioniae
Where is Neolasioptera allioniae found?
Range: Recorded from Colorado and Texas but could be as widespread as its host plants.
What does Neolasioptera allioniae eat?
The diet of the Neolasioptera allioniae includes Galls in Allionia (Nyctaginaceae), but the sense in which the name is used is unclear. The catalog lists also A. nyctaginae which is probably the species now called Mirabilis nyctaginea ..
What is the life cycle of a Neolasioptera allioniae?
Swellings are polythalamous, tapered, 1.5 to 2 cm long, and usually near a node. Larvae overwinter in the stem and pupate in spring.