Thecodiplosis piniradiatae

This gall midge induces elliptical, spindle-shaped galls at the base of Monterey pine needles. It has also been reported on Coulter and gray pines.

Hosts:
Pinus radiate
Pinus coulteri
Pinus sabiniana

On Monterey pine, Pinus radiata ... Thecodiplosis piniradiatae (Snow and Mills)

Larvae crawl among the needles and cause them to become shortened and swollen at their bases. This species reportedly pupates on the plant in cocoons, but cocoons attributed to this species may be formed by a Cecidomyia mistaken for this species... Host: P. radiata; also reportedly P. coulteri, P. sabiniana, P. sylvestris, P. tuberculata. Distr.: California...

The Monterey pine midge, Thecodiplosis piniradiatae (Snow and Mills), works at the base of the newly formed needles of Monterey pine and other pines in central California and causes them to become swollen and shortened (fig. 246). Sometimes heavily infested twigs are killed and the ornamental value of the trees is impaired.