Biology and development of galls induced by Lopesia sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on leaves of Mimosa gemmulata (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae)

Abstract

Analyses of gall biology and development allow determination of morphogenesis events in host-plant organs that are altered by galling insects. Currently, we assume that there is a correlation between Lopesia sp. instars and the alterations in gall tissues on Mimosa gemmulata that generate the gall shape. The development of Lopesia sp. (three larval instars, pupae and adult) correlates positively with gall growth, especially on the anticlinal axis. First-instar larvae are found in galls at the stage of induction, Instar 2 in galls at early growth and development, Instar 3 in galls at late growth and development, pupae in galls at maturation, and the adult emerges from senescent galls. At induction, the larva stimulates cell differentiation in pinnula and pinna-rachis tissues on M. gemmulata. At early growth and development stages, cell division and expansion are increased, and non-glandular trichomes assist gall closing. Homogenous parenchyma and neoformed vascular bundles characterise late growth and development. At maturation, tissues are compartmentalised and cells achieve major expansion through elongation. At senescence, galls open by the falling of trichomes, and mechanical and nutritive cells have thickened walls. The neoformed nutritive tissue nurtures the developing Lopesia sp., whose feeding behaviour influences the direction of cell elongation, predominantly periclinal, determinant for gall bivalve shape.