Beech Gall Midge
ExploreInsects
Beech Gall Midge
Mikiola fagi
The Beech Gall Midge is a tiny insect that makes little galls on beech trees. These galls are like cozy homes for the midge's babies, helping them grow safely inside the tree.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Beech Gall Midge is a tiny, slender fly with a brownish body and delicate, clear wings. It has long, segmented antennae and slender legs, making it resemble a miniature mosquito. Its small size, typically a few millimeters, distinguishes it from larger flies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyCecidomyiidaeGenusMikiola
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Beech Gall Midges are so small, many people might mistake them for specks of dust!
Baby gall midges spend nearly a year cozy inside their leaf 'bubble' before emerging as adults!
The special bumps they create, called galls, often turn vibrant red in autumn before falling off!
These tiny insects can trick a beech tree into growing a unique home just for their babies!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Beech Gall Midge can prompt beech trees to grow unique, protective galls, providing a safe nursery for its larvae inside.
Ability
Plant Engineer
Beech Gall Midge has specialized chemicals that trick beech trees into forming a cozy, nutrient-rich home for its developing young.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-8 mm
- Size
- 2-4 mm
- Lifespan
- 3-7 days
- Flight Speed
- 1 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Beech Gall Midge larvae feed on the sap and plant tissues of beech trees while hidden inside galls.
Age differences: Adult midges generally do not feed, focusing entirely on reproduction, while larvae consume plant tissues.
Primary Foods
- Beech tree sap
- Beech leaf cells
Ecological connections
depends on
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Provides shelter and food for larvae within induced galls.
parasitizes
Gall Midge Parasitoid Wasp
Platygaster demades
Lays eggs inside gall midge larvae, using them as living food.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Feeds on adult midges and sometimes extracts larvae from galls.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at trees from a distance and not touch them to keep the insects safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beech Gall Midge's wingspan?
4-8 mm
How big is Beech Gall Midge?
2-4 mm
How long does Beech Gall Midge live?
3-7 days
How fast can Beech Gall Midge fly?
1 km/h
What does Beech Gall Midge eat?
Beech Gall Midge larvae feed on the sap and plant tissues of beech trees while hidden inside galls.
Where is Beech Gall Midge usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Beech Gall Midge have?
6
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