The Gall Gnats of Hawai'i (Cecidomyiidae) I

Cecidomyiidae (Order: Diptera) is a family of flies that are small and fragile in appearance and structure, usually measuring only 2-3 mm in length. Their hairy wings and long antennae are two characters that distinguish them from other Diptera family groups. Named for their larvae feeding habits, Cecidomyiidae flies are also known as "gall gnats" or gall midges". Larvae feed on plant tissue, resulting in the formation of galls, or abnormal outgrowths. There are more that 6,000 worldwide species described to date, but this is believed to be an underestimation. Please help transcribe the UHIM's Cecidomyiidae fly collection in order to better help us understand their distribution and impact in Hawai'i.This expedition of 327 tasks is fully transcribed and validated.