Gouty Veingall Midge – Continaria negundinis

Gouty Veingall Midge (Continaria Negundinis) Latin Name: Contarinia Negundinis Common Name: Boxelder gall midge, gouty Veingall midge Hosts plants:  Boxelder Territory: Gouty Veingall Midge is found throughout the range of its hosts Damage insect caused by gouty Veingall midge: The larvae of the midge feed on the growing leaves, which cause them to thicken and coil around the midrib. The damage is usually modest, but it might be noticeable. The larvae are creamy white maggots that are commonly seen in galls. Description about root, tuber, and bulb feeders: Bulb mites can invade root, tuber, and bulb like onion and garlic in the field and storage. They may survive in the wild on decomposing foliage until it is degraded. In the low desert, these pests are not yet a concern. Bulb mites can impede plant development and restrict the availability of root and tuber foods such as onions and garlic. These mites also induce bulb rot in storage by piercing the outer layer of bulb tissue and allowing rot-causing microorganisms to gain passage. Life History and habits: Each year, the gouty vein gall midge produces one generation. The pupal stage is spent at the roots of previously affected trees during the winter. Adult midges emerge in the spring, about the same time as new leaves on boxelder trees. Females lay their eggs in tiny leaflets that have been folded in half.The growing leaflets twist and thicken as the young midges eat on them. They normally reach the end of their growth by early June, when they fall to the ground and burrow into the earth. They create a tiny cocoon in which to pupate.