Neolasioptera truncata
This record describes Neolasioptera truncata (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species causes a woody, fusiform swelling, 5–10 mm long, on the stems and branchlets of mountain mints. A single yellow larva lives inside, where it appears to hollow out the pith. When finished feeding, it prepares an exit channel through the woody tissue almost completely through the bark, then pupates within the gall.
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
CT, IA, MD, VA, WV
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pycnanthemum tenuifolium , P. virginianum
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Gagné, 2018
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neolasioptera truncata. 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 truncata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Neolasioptera truncata
What is Neolasioptera truncata?
Neolasioptera truncata is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Neolasioptera truncata found?
Range: CT, IA, MD, VA, WV
What does Neolasioptera truncata eat?
The diet of the Neolasioptera truncata includes Pycnanthemum tenuifolium , P. virginianum.