Gall Midge Larva

Found within plant tissues where they induce galls, or in soil, decaying organic matter, and leaf litter.

Plant fluids extracted from within galls, fungi, or as predators of other small arthropods depending on the species.

They undergo a complex life cycle including egg, several larval instars, pupa, and winged adult. Many species are highly host-specific to certain plants.

Some species are major agricultural pests causing plant deformities, while others are beneficial as predators of aphids and mites.