Large Creosote Gall Midge (Asphondylia auripila) | View Observations
The Asphondylia auripila group (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) consists of 15 closely related species of gall-inducing flies which inhabit creosote bush (Zygophyllaceae: Larrea tridentata). They have partitioned the plant ecologically with different gall midge species inhabiting the leaves, stems, buds, and flowers of creosote bush. Each species induces a uniquely shaped gall but the insects are otherwise morphologically very similar and very difficult to tell apart. Their life cycle begin
Other Names: Agalla del Creosote
Creosote Bush Galls | View Observations
Fifteen species of midge flies in the Asphondylia auripila group induce galls in the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). This article briefly describes the galls. Some helpful photos are located at CalPhotos and Joyce Gross Photography.
