Local feeder (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in stems of Mitella

The larva of this species dwells in stems of the host, and in all examples I examined, there was no obvious externally visible distortion, swelling, or discoloration of the stem. However, the stem interior in the immediate vicinity of the larva may be blackened by an apparent symbiotic fungus. I located larvae in autumn, by which time the plant material was senescent. They overwinter in pale cocoons in the dead stems and adults emerge in spring. Identified as Neolasioptera sp. by R. Gagné (pers. comm. after examining specimens).