Gall Midge

Found globally on many plant species, often living within plant tissues such as leaves, stems, or flowers.

Larvae of many species feed on plant tissue, causing galls; some are predators of other small insects, and others feed on fungi.

Adults are short-lived and fragile; females lay eggs on or in host plants. Larvae often stimulate host plants to grow abnormal tissues called galls for protection and food.

Many are agricultural pests that damage crops and ornamental plants; however, some species are beneficial as they prey on aphids or scale insects.