Phragmites australis, gall, also after removal of the leaf sheaths; Denmark © Simon Haarder

Phragmites australis, Belgium, prov. Luxembourg, Arlon © Jean-Yves Baugnée

puparium, made transparant

gall

The larva begins its life between the youngest leaves but soon its bores itself down through the growing point and thence feeds on in inside of the very tip of the stem The topmost 6-8 internodes are completely shortened, their leaf sheaths are strongly compacted. The solitary, yellowish white larva lies in a chamber just below the growing point; after the summer the chamber’s wall is sclerified. Monovoltine, pupation internal, after hibernation. The maximal thickness of the gall is more than twice the thickness of the stem just below.

hostplants

Poaceae, monophagous

Phragmites australis.

inquilines, predators

The following species are mentioned as inquilines in Lipara galls Anthomyza collini; Asynapta phragmitis; Cryptonevra diadema, C. flavitarsis, C. nigritarsis; Incertella zuercheri; Calamoncosis minima.

Cited as predators are Lestodiplosis gracilis; Cleigastra apicalis.

references

Abraham & Carstensen (1982a), Baetens & De Bruyn (1999a), Bellmann (2012a), De Bruyn (1994a), De Bruyn, Vandevyvere, Jaminé & Prinsen (1997), Buhr (1065a), Chinery (2011a), Chvála, Diskočil, Mook & Pokorný (1974a), Coulianos & Holmåsen (1991a), Dauphin & Aniotsbehere (1997a), Deckert & Deckert (2016a), Grochowska (2008a,b), Houard (1908a), Koops (2013a), Lambinon, Schneider & Feitz (2001b), Lehmann & Flügel (2012a), Nartshuk (2011a, 2012a), Redfern & Shirley (2011a), Spooner & Bowdrey (2012a), Roskam (2009a), Ruppolt (1957a), Schwarzländer & Häfliger (2000a), Tomasi (2014a), Waitzbauer (1969a), Waitzbauer, Pruscha & Picher (1972a).