Within-plant distribution of the Melaleuca quinquenervia biological control agent Lophodiplosis trifida

The gall-producing midge Lophodiplosis trifida Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is an established biological control agent of the exotic tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake, which invades wetland systems of Florida (USA). Host use patterns within the tree canopy were investigated. Plant height affected within-plant distribution of galls as L. trifida attack rates were greater in lower versus higher portions of the M. quinquenervia canopy. Nonetheless, galls occurred even at tree-top levels of 13 m.