# 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!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![locust gall midge](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Obolodiplosis_robiniae_01.JPG&width=800)

Photo: AfroBrazilian, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Obolodiplosis_robiniae_01.JPG)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Diptera
- **Family:** Cecidomyiidae
- **Genus:** Obolodiplosis

## 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

- **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.
- **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.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

These insects are harmless, but it's best to look and not touch the galls.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify locust gall midge?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Locust Gall Midge: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/locust-gall-midge)