Iteomyia major

Iteomyia major

Description

The gall midge Iteomyia major causes galls to form on the leaves of some willows such as Grey Willow and Goat Willow. These take the form of a coalesced group of 2 to 10 hard, round pustules incorporating the midrib and side veins, containing larvae which are white when young but later orange or red.

Similar Species

The sawfly Euura bridgmanii causes similar galls on sallows, but not associated with the midrib

Smaller galls are caused by Iteomyia capreae,  Several mites also cause galls on sallows.

Identification difficulty

Gall Adult

Habitat

Where the host plants (sallows) are found.

When to see it

Whenever the host willows are in leaf.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland 

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records