Gall midge larva

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.

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

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.

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.