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Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
10-1-2025
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the timing of oviposition by the gall fly Neolassioptera perfoliata on tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum) populations throughout the DePauw University Nature Park. I initially measured the heights of 176 plants total in 5 different locations, out of which I randomly selected 12-17 plants per location to measure height on a weekly basis. When galls were spotted, their heights were recorded so that they could be compared to the plant heights to produce an estimate for when the egg was laid by the gall fly. I also collected galls from plants that were excluded in the initial measurements and dissected them using razorblades in order to identify and describe the development of the gall-forming fly and its predators. I fitted curves to the weekly height data from individual plants using Microsoft Excel, which were representative of the plants’ growth patterns. In turn, this indicates that my estimates of timings of oviposition by gall flies are reliable given that these insects lay their eggs in meristematic tissue, which is found at the tips of the plant. I was also able to photograph and identify and photograph the fly and two predatory wasp species in larval, pupal and adult stages under a microscope. These results help fill the gap in our knowledge on gall-forming insects and their ecology, which allows us to better prepare for the conservation of these species if and when they are threatened. Future studies that I plan on conducting will investigate the relationship between plant fitness and gall timing. Other work that should be done includes conducting controlled observations of mating and oviposition behavior in order to better understand how the different species interact in their adult stage. Funding for this project was provided by the DePauw Faculty Development Committee.
Department
DePauw Nature Park, Departmnt of Biology, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN
Project Mentor
Dr. Dana Dudle, Dr. James Benedix
Recommended Citation
Inoue, Tomofumi; Dudle, Dana; and Benedix, James, "Ecology of Eupatorium altissimum galls: Extrapolating timing of oviposition using plant growth curves" (2025). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 218.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/218
Funding and Acknowledgements
DePauw Faculty Development Committee