Cecidomyiidae

Pronunciation:  [Sess·SEE·dough·my·EE·i⋅dae]

Common Name:  Gall Midges

Description:  These tiny, fragile flies have long legs, long beaded antennae, and simple wing venation.   Adults lay eggs in plant tissues and the resulting larvae secrete compounds that mimic plant hormones and cause abnormal growths (called galls) which serve as food and protection for the developing insect.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Small to minute in size
2. Long antennae (12-14 segments)
3. Long legs
4. Reduced wing venation

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Order:  Diptera