The Spruce Bud Midge, Rhabdophaga swainei Felt (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera)

Abstract

In May, 1948, numerous malformed buds were collected from young spruce trees at Fredericton, N.B. These enlarged buds were about 7 mm. long and 4 mm. in diameter, with lateral scales reflexed and their rosette-like apices loose and open. Dipterous adults emerged in a few days and their identification as Rhabdophaga swainei Felt was confirmed by G. E. Shewell, Systematic Unit, Division of Entomology, Ottawa.The only references in the literature are Felt's (1) original description of the adults and a mention of the gall by the same author (2).The following notes are based on field observations made at intervals through 1948 and early 1949 near Fredericton, N.B.