Light-gall tephritid (Aciurina luminaria), a new species via multi-trait integrative taxonomy

NEWS - Researchers investigated a unique gall morphotype in New Mexico and Colorado that was previously described as a variant induced by Aciurina bigeloviae (Cockerell, 1890). They found several consistent features that distinguish it from A. bigeloviae and described it as light-gall tephritid (Aciurina luminaria Baine).

Integrative taxonomic analyses that combine multiple lines of evidence for species delimitation improve understanding of intraspecies, interspecies variation, and biodiversity. However, the expanded phenotype remains underutilized despite its potential as a set of species-specific extracorporeal morphological and life-history traits.

The practice of relying on wing pattern variation has led to taxonomic confusion within the genus Aciurina, a gall-inducing fly of Asteraceae plants in western North America. However, the species exhibit distinct morphologies that are important for species identification.

A. luminaria is univoltine, with a life cycle and phenology similar to A. bigeloviae and A. trixa. Eggs are laid singly in leaf buds on distal plant stems. Galls form at the egg-laying site and the developing larvae feed on the tissue surrounding the central chamber.

In the fall, the galls reach full size, the larvae reach their final instar and chew through the outer layer to create a circular trap door. The larvae stop feeding and overwinter within the gall, then pupate in the spring. The adults hatch in the summer and emerge to find mates.

Host plants include Ericameria nauseosa subsp. ammophila L.C. Anderson which is restricted to the sand dunes and sand flats of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. A flower specimen from a galled plant.

The species epithet is a noun derived from the Spanish word for "light" which is particularly used in the southwestern United States for small decorative lanterns traditionally displayed during the winter months leading up to Christmas.

Original research

Baine Q, White B, Martinson VG, Martinson EO (2024) Discovery of a new gall-inducing species, Aciurina luminaria (Insecta, Diptera, Tephritidae) via multi-trait integrative taxonomy. ZooKeys 1214: 217-236, DOI:10.3897/zookeys.1214.130171

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