Gall midge larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found inside plant tissues such as leaves, stems, or buds where they induce the formation of galls; some species live in soil or decaying organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Most are herbivores that feed on plant fluids within galls; some species are predatory, feeding on aphids or mites, while others consume fungi.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are often bright orange, pink, or red. They undergo several molts within a plant host before pupating, often dropping to the soil to complete their transformation into tiny, delicate flies.

Risks & Benefits

Many species are considered agricultural pests because they damage crops and ornamental plants. However, predatory species are beneficial as biological control agents against mites and aphids.

Identified on: 2/6/2026