# Arnoldiola atra

Arnoldiola atra is a special type of insect known for its shiny black body. It can often be found in gardens and forests, where it plays an important role in nature.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Arnoldiola atra](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/220877431/medium.jpeg)

Photo: CC0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/220877431)

## Appearance

The Arnoldiola atra is a tiny, delicate gall midge, typically dark reddish-brown to black, with an elongated body. It has relatively long, beaded antennae and fuzzy, membranous wings that appear slightly smoky. Its minute size and dark coloration help it blend into its environment, making it hard to spot.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Diptera
- **Family:** Cecidomyiidae
- **Genus:** Arnoldiola

## Interesting facts

- Arnoldiola atra belongs to a special family of insects famous for making plant bumps!
- Imagine an insect that only eats rust—that's Arnoldiola atra!
- Its wings look like they're covered in tiny hairs, even though it's super small!
- They spend most of their life hidden as larvae, munching on fungi.

## Special abilities

- **Fungal Feast:** Arnoldiola atra larvae can consume specific rust fungi spores because their digestive systems are adapted for this unique, plant-protecting diet.
- **Tiny Navigator:** Arnoldiola atra can locate specific rust fungi because it uses sensitive antennae to detect chemical signals from its food source.
- **Stealthy Nursery:** Arnoldiola atra can lay eggs directly onto rust fungi infections because its slender ovipositor allows precise placement for larvae.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 2-5 mm
- **Size:** 1-3 mm
- **Lifespan:** 7-21 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Tiny Arnoldiola atra larvae feast exclusively on specific rust fungi that grow on plants.

- **Age differences:** Adults may consume nectar or honeydew, while larvae exclusively consume fungi.
- **Primary Foods:** Puccinia triticina, Uromyces appendiculatus, Puccinia graminis

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Wheat Leaf Rust (*Puccinia triticina*) — Larvae consume this common rust fungus, helping wheat plants.
- **Eats:** Bean Rust (*Uromyces appendiculatus*) — Larvae target this fungus, which affects bean plants.
- **Eaten by:** Seven-spotted Ladybug (*Coccinella septempunctata*) — Adult midges may be occasionally eaten by ladybugs.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

If you see this insect, watch it from a distance and don't touch it.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Arnoldiola atra?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Arnoldiola atra's wingspan?

2-5 mm

### How big is Arnoldiola atra?

1-3 mm

### How long does Arnoldiola atra live?

7-21 days

### What does Arnoldiola atra eat?

Tiny Arnoldiola atra larvae feast exclusively on specific rust fungi that grow on plants.

### Where is Arnoldiola atra usually found?

Forests

### How many legs does Arnoldiola atra have?

6

## Where to spot

- [Opelousas Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/opelousas-historic-district) — Louisiana, US · Historic District

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Arnoldiola atra: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/arnoldiola-atra)