Gall-forming habits of Aciurina species (Diptera: Tephritidae) on rabbitbrush (Compositae: Chrysothamnus spp.) in Idaho [Ecologic and taxonomic species]

Eight species of Aciurina (Diptera: Tephritidae) are gall-formers on rabbitbrush (Compositae: Chrysothamnus spp.) in Idaho. Two are believed to be new species and the taxonomic status of two others as separate species is questionable. Each species is ecologically isolated from the others by virtue of: 1) specificity to different host plant species and subspecies, 2) exploitation of different parts of the host plant for gall-formation, and 3) variable seasonal occurrence among the life stages. The life histories and habits of each are discussed with emphasis on the patterns of gall-formation and the ecological relationships among the gall-formers, their host plant(s), and other gall inhabitants.