Description of the Larva of Lophodiplosis trifida, an Australian Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and Biocontrol Agent of Paperbark in Florida, USA

Authors

Raymond Gagne, Systematic Entomology Laboratory, PSI, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, c/o U. S. National Museum NHB 168, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USAFollow
Susan Wright, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100, USAFollow
Matthew F. Purcell, Australian Biological Control Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, CSIRO Entomology, 120 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia 4068Follow
Bradley T. Brown, Australian Biological Control Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, CSIRO Entomology, 120 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia 4068Follow
Paul D. Pratt, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USAFollow
Ted D. Center, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USAFollow

Date of this Version

12-2009

Comments

Published in Florida Entomologist 92(4) December 2009.

Abstract

Lophodiplosis trifida Gagné, an Australian gall midge on paperbark, Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae), is a recent release in southern Florida for the biological control of that host. The larval stage is described for the first time and compared to that of other Lophodiplosis species. Photos of galls and illustrations of larvae are provided. Second and third instars of L. trifida are unusual among Cecidomyiidae for the lack of setae on most papillae.