Biology of the common reed gall forming fly Lipara lucens (diptera: Chloropidae) in Urmia region, Iran

Abstract
Common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel (Poaceae) is a perennial rhizomatous grass that occurs all over the world. The species is able to grow in a wide range of habitats. Some biological characteristics of Lipara lucens Meigen (Chloropidae) a monophagous gall inducer in the apical part of common reed stems was studied during the years 2011 and 2012 in Urmia region (Azarbaidjan-e Gharbi province, Iran). The results of this study revealed that, l. lucens complete a single generation in a year and overwinters as mature larva inside the gall. All larval and pupal stages were developing inside the gall. The adults appear during the first week of May to late June. Newly emerged females mate continual throughout their life span. After mating, the females lay eggs singly on the surface of leaves and stems of common reed. Female's potential fecundity was calculated 87.4±19.8 (range: 59-121). In natural conditions, incubation period takes 10.5±1.8 (range: 8-13) days. Upon hatching, the young larvae migrate to the top and enter the bud and gnaw their way to the growing point. The species have a long larval development time with three larval stages. Its duration takes more than 10 months inside the gall. Mature larvae stay in the gall until mid-May of following year. Pupation starts in mid-April and takes place in the gall. Depending upon natural conditions the duration of the pupal period takes 19.7±5.3 (range: 15-26) days. The new generation of adults appears in early May. Study on the parasitoids of L. lucens revealed that the larvae of this fly were parasitized by Polemochartus liparae (Giraud, 1863) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Tetrastichus legionarius Giraud, 1863 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Urmia region. The most common parasitoid was P. liparae which was responsible for up to 48% of parasitism. Both species are newly recorded from Iran. In addition, specimens of Cryptonevra flavitarsis Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Chloropidae) were found in L. lucens galls.