On the study of complexes of gall‐forming insects and mites of the fauna of Dagestan, Russia

Aim . To identify complexes of gall‐forming insects and mites in the fauna of Dagestan, which, together with other inhabitants of galls, are evolutionarily associated with common plant species and genera. Materials and Methods . The materials were collected in the plains and mountains of Dagestan. Standard methods were used: inspection of plants, search and mass collection of galls; breeding imago and production of preparations of larvae and adults. Results . Assemblages of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae), psyllids, aphids (Hemiptera, Aphalaridae, Psyllidae, Aphididae) and gall four‐legged mites (Acari, Eriophyidae) dominate. Additionally, for the fauna of Dagestan, 7 species of 5 genera Eriophyidae and 24 species of 12 genera of insects were identified, including 16 species of 7 genera Cecidomyiidae. Newly recorded for the fauna of Russia are 3 species of 2 genera of mites and 13 species of 8 genera of gall midges: Aceria labiatiflorae (Thomas), A. thomasi (Nalepa), Paraphytoptus chondrillae (Canestrini), Contarinia cardariae Fedotova, C. desertorum Marikovskij, Arthrocnodax chondrillaphylus Fedotova, A. saliciphilus Fedotova, A. origani Fedotova, A. thymiphilus Fedotova, Ozirhincus longicollis Rondani, Dasineura scorzonerifloris Fedotova, Jaapiella chondrillae Skuhravá, Spurgia seguierianae Fedotova, Euphorbomyia loewii (Mik), Marikovskiana dentipes Marikovskij. Larvae of predatory gall midges are almost always found in mite galls. Conclusion . Information about the diversity of gall‐forming complexes in Dagestan will be useful for assessing evolutionary relationships between them and plants and will give an idea of the richness of the fauna in the organisation of protected natural areas and recreational zones.