Rhopalomyia foliorum

Rhopalomyia foliorum

Description

The larvae of the midge Rhopalomyia foliorum cause small oval galls, about 2 mm long, first on the stem or leaf of Artemisia (Mugwort) and then generally at the upperside of a thick vein. Eventually the plant may become distorted with leaves bunching. Larva is orange.

Identification difficulty

Gall Adult

Recording advice

Please provide a photograph showing the gall.  Please also include a photograph of the larva and state the host plant.

Habitat

The galls may be found where Mugwort is present.

When to see it

Gall: When Mugwort is in leaf.

Life History

Several generations; the larvae of the summer generation pupate in the galls, the winter generation hibernates in the soil, then pupates.

UK Status

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

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

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records