Dasineura aparines

Description

The larvae of the midge Dasineura aparines cause galls on Cleavers (Galium aparine) causing the buds and adjacent stems to become thickened, hairy and fleshy, sometimes grouped into a rosette like mass at the tops of the stems.

Similar Species

Other species of psyllid or midge cause leaves to bunch together at the tip of the shoot or form an artichoke gall. 

Identification difficulty

Gall  Adult

Recording advice

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Wherever Cleavers occurs.

When to see it

Galls may be seen when cleavers is in leaf.

UK Status

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

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

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:
insect - true fly (Diptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Cecidomyiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
0

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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