Cecidomyia? ramuscula sp. nov.

Gall. This is a fusiform swelling on the branches of aster (Aster [Symphyotrichum] dumosus and patens). Inside is an elongate, narrow chamber, inhabited by a single larva, which remains in the gall to pupate. Length 10 to 20 mm; width 5 to 8 mm.

Habitat: NC in September

...from branchlet galls on Symphyotrichum dumosum (Linnaeus) [sic]

Neolasioptera spp.

Swellings are usually found on thin, more apical branches, are 10-25 mm long, and usually have a single larva in a tunnel along the plant's main axis. Larvae overwinter in the galls, and adults emerge in late spring. Three species have been described from such galls, although these have not yet been critically examined and may actually be one species. Such galls have been found from New England and Ontario to North Carolina and Missouri on many more asters than listed for the three species below.

Neolasioptera albitarsis Host Aster [Symphyotrichum] cordifolius Distr. NY

Neolasioptera punicei Host Aster [Symphyotrichum] puniceus Distr. Ontario

Neolasioptera ramuscula Host Aster [Symphyotrichum] dumosus, patens Distr. NC