Contarinia loti

Description

The larvae of the gall midge Contarinia loti gall members of the Fabaceae family of plants, particularly causing galls in the flower buds of Bird's-foot-trefoils. The buds may become swollen, up to 12mm long, distorted or remaining closed. The galls are yellow-green and first becoming red later. The galls may contain one, or more, yellow or white larvae which can jump. 

Identification difficulty

Gall Adult

Recording advice

Please provide a photograph to support your record and state the host species.

Habitat

Galls may be found wherever the host species occur.

When to see it

Galls occur between June and September.

Life History

Two or more generations per year; hibernation in the soil.

UK Status

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Craneflies, Gnats & Midges
Kingdom:
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
22/09/2021 (Timms, Sue)
Last record:
17/06/2023 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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