New genus and two new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) damaging buds on Eucalyptus in Australia

Abstract

Two new gall midges whose larvae damage leaf and branch buds of eucalypts in Australia are described and a new genus, Eucalyptodiplosis Kolesik (Cecidomyiidi: Cecidomyiini) is erected to contain them. The infested buds are deformed and do not develop further. Eucalyptodiplosis germinis Kolesik was found on Eucalyptus cosmophylla F. Muell. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. in natural bush vegetation in South Australia. Eucalyptodiplosis mcintyrei Kolesik is a potential pest of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden in plantation forests in New South Wales with the potential to cause economically significant damage in young tree plantations. The basic biology of the midges is described and a key to adults of currently known Australian genera of the supertribe Cecidomyiidi is presented.