Euhexomyza schineri

Euhexomyza schineri
Euhexomyza schineri gall
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Agromyzidae
Genus: Euhexomyza
Species:
E. schineri
Binomial name
Euhexomyza schineri
(Giraud, 1861)[1]
Synonyms
  • Agromyza schineri Giraud, 1861
  • Hexomyza schineri Giraud, 1861

Euhexomyza schineri, referred to as the poplar twiggall fly, is a species of fly in the family Agromyzidae that forms galls on many species of poplar.

Description

The smooth gall is a circular-shaped swelling that integrates from new twigs below the bud into the stem. The gall begins to form during the summer, growing during autumn and then overwintering as multiple yellow-green larvae before pupation. Pupation occurs during late winter to early spring, where they drop to the ground as adult flies. During and after the pupae leave the gall, Cytospora canker can develop around the gall, caused by wounds of the pupae leaving or birds attempting to feed on the gall.[2]

The adult flies are approximately 2–4 mm long, stout-bodied, shiny, and dark. When they are active, they rest on leaves during the day.[2][3]

Quaking aspen (P. tremuloides) is considered to be the main host but has been recorded from many species of poplar.[2]

Distribution

It has been primarily recorded across the West Coast, the Northeast United States, and Southeastern Canada. Some occurrences have been reported in Europe and Asia.[1]

Parasitoids

References

  1. ^ a b "Euhexomyza schineri (Giraud, 1861)". GBIF.org. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Poplar Twiggall Fly" (PDF). Colorado State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 27, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  3. ^ "Species Euhexomyza schineri - Poplar Twiggall Fly". bugguide.net. September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2025.