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Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge
ExploreInsects
Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge
Rhopalomyia californica
The Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge is a tiny insect that makes special galls on coyote brush plants. These galls are like little homes for the midge's larvae, helping them grow safely.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge is a tiny, delicate fly, typically 1-3mm long, with a slender, dark body and clear, membranous wings. It has long antennae and a somewhat humped back, making it appear like a very small mosquito without a proboscis.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyCecidomyiidaeGenusRhopalomyia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult midges are so small, they can easily fly through tiny gaps in window screens!
Each tiny gall on a coyote brush plant can contain several midge larvae living together!
Its larvae are completely legless and look like tiny white or orange grubs inside the gall.
The galls it creates are often mistaken for berries or unusual fuzzy plant growths!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge can make the plant grow a cozy home because it lays eggs inside buds, causing a protective gall to form.
Ability
Plant Programmer
Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge has special chemicals that tell the plant to form a safe, food-filled gall around its developing young.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 2-5 mm
- Size
- 1-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults rarely feed; larvae eat the juicy plant tissue inside their protective galls.
Age differences: Larvae feed on plant tissue inside galls; adults may sip nectar or not feed at all.
Primary Foods
- Baccharis pilularis plant tissue
- nectar
Foraging Method
- Null
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Coyote Brush
Baccharis pilularis
Larvae cause galls to form on coyote brush for food and shelter.
eaten by
Coyote Brush Gall Wasp
Torymus baccharidis
Parasitic wasp larvae develop inside midge galls, consuming the midge larvae.
eaten by
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Song sparrows and other birds often peck open galls to eat the larvae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These insects are not harmful, but it's best to look at them without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge's wingspan?
2-5 mm
How big is Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge?
1-3 mm
How long does Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge live?
5-10 days
What does Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge eat?
Adults rarely feed; larvae eat the juicy plant tissue inside their protective galls.
Where is Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge hunt?
Null
How many legs does Coyote Brush Bud Gall Midge have?
6
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