A New Species of Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Subterranean Stem Galls of Licania Michauxii (Chrysobalanaceae) in Florida

Authors

Raymond Gagne, ARS, USDA
Kenneth Hibbard, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Fort Pierce, FL

Date of this Version

1996

Comments

Published in Florida Entomologist 79(3) September, 1996.

Abstract

A new species of gall midge is described from subterranean stem galls on Licania michauxii Prance from Florida. The gall former is a new species of Lopesia and the first record of this genus in North America. The limits of Lopesia, a genus previously recorded only from South America and Africa, are enlarged to accept the new species. The species is described and illustrated. The pupa of this species is unique in Cecidomyiidae for its large, robust, dorsal abdominal spines that may be used in pushing through sandy soil after leaving the gall.