Biology of the carob midge complex, Asphondylia spp. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), in Cyprus

Abstract

AbstractIn Cyprus, the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) are infested by three races or sibling species of midges: the pepper, caper and squill midge (Asphondylia spp.). This classification has been made on the basis of secondary host-plant preferences. Tests in cages revealed that secondary host-plants which are attacked by these midges during spring, summer and autumn, taken together, are: pepper (Capsicum annuum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), caper (Capparis spinosa), garden rocket (Eruca sativa), mustard (Sinapis spp.), sea squill (Urginea maritima), asphodel (Asphodelus fistulosus), and St Johnswort (Hypericum crispum). The carob midge complex overwinters as young larvae in carob pods and may have a maximum of six or seven generations per year according to the location. The emergence pattern of the overwintering generation varied between locations. The adult sex ratio was 42 ♂ : 100 ♀ and the mean longevity under laboratory conditions was 55 h. Some major morphological characteristics of all developmental stages are also presented. The larval stage is divided into three instars. Sex identification has been determined at the pupal stage.