Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Mikiola fagi
(Hartig) (
402-403
)
Beech smooth-pouch-gall midge
This midge also occurs on beech (
Fagus sylvatica
), the
larvae developing in bulbous leaf galls, each 4-10 mm
long. The galls, which have a smooth, often plum-like
surface, occur on the leaves from May to late September
or October and, if numerous, can cause the death of
young plants. The larvae are whitish and plump
(
c.
4 mm long when fully grown), and feed within the
galls throughout the summer. They then overwinter
within the fallen galls, eventually pupating and
producing adults in March or April. Although present in
England, this pest appears more common and of greater
significance in mainland Europe.
Monarthropalpus buxi
(Laboulbène) (
404-405
)
Box leaf mining midge
An often important pest of common box (
Buxus
sempervirens
), particularly in nurseries. Widely
distributed in Europe; also present in North America.
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
2-3 mm long; yellowish-orange; female with
abdomen terminating in a long, curved spine.
Larva:
up
to 2.5 mm long; white, later orange; flattened and
narrowing posteriorly.
403
402
402
Gall of beech smooth-pouch-gall midge (
Mikiola fagi
).
403
Larva of beech smooth-pouch-gall midge (
Mikiola fagi
).
404
405
404
Galls of box leaf mining midge (
Monarthropalpus buxi
),
viewed from below.
405
Galls of box leaf mining midge (
Monarthropalpus buxi
),
viewed from above.
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