Horidiplosis ficifolii, a new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) damaging ornamental fig Plants, Ficus Benjamina L.

Abstract

Horidiplosis ficifolii Harris, sp. n. is described on the basis of larvae and reared adults collected in the Netherlands and in Denmark and of galls collected in the UK from plants of the ornamental fig, Ficus benjamina L., initially imported into the Netherlands from China (Taiwan). Larvae develop in irregular blister galls on young leaves and the galled areas become increasingly discoloured, resembling fungal or bacterial leaf spots. The possibility that this Oriental species might become established in glasshouses in Europe is noted.