The tiny pink-orange non-biting midge larvae of the genus Mycodiplosis feed amongst patches of rust fungus on various plants and are rarely detected as they match the colour of the rust almost perfectly. It is believed that other fungi are also consumed, such as mildews.  It is very difficult to determine the exact species, even if reared, so we have created this page as genus only.

We are unaware of similar looking larvae of any other genus that feed in this way.

Adult   Larvae

Please provide photographs showing the larvae and if possible state the host plant species.

The larvae can often be found feeding on rust fungus, usually beneath the affected leaves of various trees and other plants.

Summer.

It is believed to be widespread in Britain but is poorly recorded.

Rarely recorded In Leicestershire & Rutland.

Mycodiplosis – Plant Parasites of Europ e (bladmineerders.nl)