Willow Pinecone Gall Midge
Rabdophaga strobiloides
This record describes Rabdophaga strobiloides (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
It forms galls in the apical buds of growing willow's twigs.
Wikipedia reference for Rabdophaga strobiloides: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabdophaga_strobiloides.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Dasineurini
- Genus
- Rabdophaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
New England to California.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Forms galls on many species of willow.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Osten Sacken, 1862
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rabdophaga strobiloides. 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 Willow Pinecone Gall Midge (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Pinecone Gall Midge
What is Willow Pinecone Gall Midge?
Willow Pinecone Gall Midge (Rabdophaga strobiloides) is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Willow Pinecone Gall Midge found?
Range: New England to California.
What does Willow Pinecone Gall Midge eat?
The diet of the Willow Pinecone Gall Midge includes Forms galls on many species of willow..