Rabdophaga saliciperda explained

Rabdophaga saliciperda is a species of gall midges which forms galls on willows (Salix species). It was first described by Léon Jean Marie Dufour in 1841.

Description

The woody, irregular swellings are on the twigs of willows with the larval chambers just below the bark. Larvae are in individual chambers and are described as yellowish-orange, or greenish yellow to white or reddish depending on the authority. Larvae prepare emergence windows before pupating.^{[1] [2]} Galls have been recorded on Salix alba, S. aurita, S. aurita x cinerea, S. cinerea subsp. oleifolia, S. caprea, Salix × fragilis and S. repens.^[2]

Distribution

Has been recorded from Europe, Japan and Russia.^[3]

Inquilines

The inquiline Lestodiplosis gammae has also been found in this gall and the gall of R. salicis.^{[2] [4]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Redfern. Margaret. Shirley. Peter. Boxham. Michael. British Plant Galls. 2011. Field Study Council. Shrewsbury. 978-185153-284-1. 282–299. Second.
2. Web site: Ellis. W N. Rabdophaga saliciperda. Plant Parasites of Europe. 2 January 2018.
3. Web site: shot-hole gall midge (Rabdophaga saliciperda). Plantwise Knowledge Bank. 24 November 2017.
4. Web site: Ellis. W N. Rabdophaga salicis (Schrank, 1803). Plant Parasites of Europe. 2 January 2018.