Caryomyia inanis (Hickory Midge Galls )

Caryomyia inanis

Gagne Description ²

Occasional, on Eucarya hickories, not found east of the Appalachian Mts (Map 2); found singly or in groups on lower leaf surface, between veins; length 2.5^4.0 mm, spheroidal at base with short to long, foliate, papery, lateral extension forming partial false chamber, the distal opening broadly agape to nearly closed; apex of closed part of gall slightly convex with central nipple often bearing thin, horizontal, flat disk (the leaf surface beneath which gall issued) equal to more than 1/3 gall diameter; green to brown with sparse, long, white or brown hairs not obscuring gall surface; base with prominent conical projection in center of circular indentation, leaf with thin exfoliation sur- rounding gall base; larval chamber ovoid, wall firm, brittle, uniformly thin, smooth with longitudinal ridges. This gall has a similar structure to that of C. asteris, although that is not at first apparent. The foliate extension of the gall of C. inanis is vertical and tubular, while that of C. asteris is horizontally disposed.

Gagne Biology Note ²

In mid-June in eastern West Virginia, galls were almost full grown and light green with the exfoliate part still easily pliable and contained second instars. In early July, galls were still green but with third instars that were very active when the galls were opened. In August the galls had turned brown.

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iNat Map

Carya	floridana, glabra, laciniosa, myristiciformis, ovata, pallida, texana, tomentosa
Texture	hairy
Alignment	erect
Detachable	yes
Location	between veins, lower leaf
Walls	false chamber, thin

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