Neolasioptera lathami Gagne

Galls (Fig. 2) of this species can be found near the base of the plant as well as among apical branches of B. halimifolia, B. neglecta, B. salicina, and B. sarothroides. This species has two or more generations per year. It is known from New York south to Florida and west to Texas and Arizona (Gagne 1989). Palmer and Bennett (1988) recommended this species for introduction into Australia to control B. halimifolia, and Diatloff and Palmer (1987) reported on its biology and host specificity.

Neolasioptera lathami Gagne

No eggs were laid on a plant other than a Baccharis species. These results and the absence of any field host records to the contrary demonstrated that this fly was specific to Baccharis.

The experimental work supported the previous host records from the field by indicating that N. lathami is host specific to those species of Baccharis on which it is found in the field (i.e. B. halimifolia and B. neglecta). [No other species of Baccharis were tested in the study so this finding should not be taken as evidence that this species is only found on these two Baccharis spp.]

Neolasioptera lathami Gagne

Hosts: Baccharis halimifolia, neglecta, sarothroides

relatively soft, irregular stem swellings, often on upper stem

This species may be multivoltine because the galls occur on lower and upper parts of the stem. Galls sometimes produce stunting in seedlings. Eggs are laid mostly in stem terminals, but some in leaf axils.

Range: NY to FL west to TX and AZ

Neolasioptera lathami, n. sp.

Material examined. Holotype, male, reared from globular stem gall on Baccharis halimifolia, Yemassee, S.C., V-1960, F. D. Bennett.