locust gall midge
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locust gall midge
Obolodiplosis robiniae
The locust gall midge is a tiny insect that makes special galls on locust trees. These galls look like little round bumps and are homes for the midge's babies. They help the trees in their own special way!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The locust gall midge is a tiny, delicate fly, typically reddish-brown with clear, membranous wings. It is distinguished by its minute size and slender body, often hard to spot without looking closely at host leaves.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyCecidomyiidaeGenusObolodiplosis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby midges live inside these plant galls, munching on their cozy, edible walls!
Many galls can be found on a single leaf, making it look very bumpy!
The galls look like tiny, pea-sized green pouches on black locust leaves!
These tiny insects are flies, not related to grasshoppers or actual locusts!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
The locust gall midge can make special 'galls' on black locust leaves because they inject chemicals that reshape plant cells, creating a protective home for their larvae.
Ability
Targeted Egg Layer
The locust gall midge can precisely lay eggs in young black locust leaf tissue because they have specialized ovipositors, ensuring offspring develop safely.
Ability
Growth Manipulator
The locust gall midge larvae can control plant growth because they release substances that create unique protective shelters called galls.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 2-5 mm
- Size
- 1-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on plant sap and tissues inside galls; adults typically don't feed much.
Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively within galls; adults have vestigial mouthparts and generally do not feed.
Primary Foods
- Robinia pseudoacacia leaf tissue
- Robinia pseudoacacia plant sap
- Robinia pseudoacacia plant cells
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Larvae develop and feed inside galls on its leaves.
parasitizes
Locust Gall Midge Parasitoid Wasp
Platygaster robiniae
Larvae of this tiny wasp develop inside the midge larvae.
parasitizes
Locust Gall Midge Parasitoid
Metaphycus robiniae
This wasp lays eggs in the midge larvae, controlling populations.
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.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
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
These insects are harmless, but it's best to look and not touch the galls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is locust gall midge's wingspan?
2-5 mm
How big is locust gall midge?
1-3 mm
How long does locust gall midge live?
7-14 days
What does locust gall midge eat?
Larvae munch on plant sap and tissues inside galls; adults typically don't feed much.
Where is locust gall midge usually found?
Forests
How does locust gall midge hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does locust gall midge have?
6
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