The Veg IPM TEAM received the following specimen (picture) from a resident of the Foothills in Yuma AZ for identification. In our last update we asked you to email us with your answer to AZVegIPM-Team@email.arizona.edu to receive a U of A Vegetable IPM hat from Dr. John Palumbo.
Mr. Dan Fox contacted us with the right answer. This is a gall produced by the Creosote Midge Gall (Asphondylia auripila) and was found in creosote plants at the Foothills in Yuma Arizona. Adult female midges oviposit (inserts eggs) into the part of the plant their species prefers, along with a fungal spore. The fungus induces the plant to produce the gall, and the fungus grows inside the gall, lining the inside of the egg chamber. The egg eventually hatches, and the larva feeds on the fungus. Very interesting insect! Congratulations Dan, you are the winner of A NEW HAT!!