A new gall midge species (diptera: cecidomyiidae) infesting fruit of punity bush, Senna Artemisioides (caesalpiniaceae) in Australia

Abstract

A new species of gall midge, Contarinia sennicola Kolesik, is described from fruits of the punty bush, Senna artemisioides (DC.) Randell in south-eastern Australia. Yellow larvae of Contarinia sennicola live within fruit capsules of Senna artemisioides and prevent seed formation without causing superficial deformation. In 11 localities of New South Wales, all plants examined were infected by the new species, with the level of demaged fruits being between 10 and 90%. Despite the high frequency of infestation damage caused by the new species, it did not appear to limit substantially reproduction of the host plant, as indicated by the overall large seed production. Show more