The Chemical Ecology of Cecidomyiid Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Abstract

The family of cecidomyiid midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) exhibits diversified patterns of life history, behavior, host range, population dynamics and other ecological traits. Those that feed on plants include many important agricultural pests; most cultivated plants are attacked by at least one midge species. Several features of the reproductive biology of cecidomyiid midges point to an important role for chemical communication, with this topic last reviewed comprehensively 12 years ago. Here, we review progress on identification of sex pheromones, chemicals involved in location of host plants, the neurophysiology of reception of volatile chemicals, and application of semiochemicals to management of pest species of cecidomyiid midges that has occurred during the last decade. We hope this review will stimulate and sustain further research in these fields.

Keywords

Cecidomyiidae; Diptera; Pheromone; Semiochemical; Synthesis; Biosynthesis; Olfaction; Monitoring; Traps; Control

Published in

Journal of Chemical Ecology
2012, volume: 38, number: 1, pages: 2-22
Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

• Boddum, Tina

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Hillbur, Ylva

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-011-0053-y

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/45652