Dasineura hyperici

Description

The larvae of the midge Dasineura hyperici cause galls on various Hypericum species (e.g. St John’s-worts). The topmost leaves form a loose ball; the basal part of the leaves is swollen and discoloured, but the upper part is not affected as much. There may be several larvae to a single gall, they are whitish at first, becoming orange or red later. 

Similar Species

Dasineura serotina on St John's-wort

Identification difficulty

Gall Adult  

Recording advice

Please provide photographs of the gall and of the larva(e). It may not be possible to confirm records unless the larva is photographed. Please also state the host species.

Habitat

Where the host Hypericum species occur.

When to see it

The gall may be found when the host Hypericum species are in leaf.

Life History

Pupation in the gall, two or three generations per year.

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:
1
First record:
17/06/2023 (Timms, Sue)
Last record:
17/06/2023 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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