The gall midges of the neotropical region

Gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), though possibly the largest family of flies, are poorly known. Numerous, ubiquitous, and economically important, they have not, in Raymond Gagne's view, received the attention they deserve. Interest is growing, however, as additional species are found to be pests, pollinators, or biological control agents, and as it becomes obvious how common they are.

This authoritative volume summarizes our knowledge of gall midges in the Neotropical region, an area that encompasses southern Florida, the West Indies, and the continental Americas south of the Tropic of Cancer. The first such treatment of this group, the book is a practical identification guide to the Neotropical genera and to the plant damage they cause, providing a basic reference for further research. In many ways a companion to Gagne's Plant-Feeding Gall Midges of North America (1989), it is more comprehensive in its treatment of gall midge taxonomy. The generic and tribal classification is revised with many proposed changes, and the fauna is related to that of the rest of the world.

Gagne's introductory chapters include biographical sketches of those individuals who have contributed most to our knowledge of Neotropical gall midges. He also discusses classification and distribution, external anatomy and biology, and techniques for collecting, rearing, and preparing specimens for study. The heart of the book comprises two chapters. The first presents the midges themselves: identification keys to the genera, a synopsis of each genus and higher taxon, and a list of all known species from South America. The second includes keys and descriptions of galls and other damage caused by the midges, with known hosts.