Rhopalomyia pedicellata
This record describes Rhopalomyia pedicellata (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult yellowish-white with dark scales and hairs. Legs covered with fine scales. Pupa orange. Galls found on stems, leaves or inflorescences of the goldenrod Euthamia graminifolia . They are delicate, slender (14-21 mm long) and possess a pedicel. Gall single chambered, green to reddish purple, with ribs. R. fusiformae makes a similar gall, without the pedicel.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Oligotrophini
- Genus
- Rhopalomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Usually two generations per year, with adults emerging from June to September.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Felt, 1908
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhopalomyia pedicellata. 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 Rhopalomyia pedicellata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhopalomyia pedicellata
What is Rhopalomyia pedicellata?
Rhopalomyia pedicellata is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rhopalomyia pedicellata?
Wing length of male: 2.4 mm; female: 2.2-2.8 mm.
How do you identify Rhopalomyia pedicellata?
Adult yellowish-white with dark scales and hairs. Legs covered with fine scales. Pupa orange.
What is the life cycle of a Rhopalomyia pedicellata?
Usually two generations per year, with adults emerging from June to September.