Dasineura viciae

The larvae of the midge Dasineura viciae cause galls to form on Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) and Bush Vetch (Vicia sepium) The leaflets swell to form pod like galls which may form dense clusters ranging in colour from green to red. The swollen areas contain small larvae which are pale orange or pale lemon in colour. The galls are seen more easily than the causer.

Similar galls are formed on Vicia cracca, Ervum tetraspermum or other species of Vetch or Tare 

Gall  Adult

Ensure you have identified the host plant correctly; see our Wildflower species galleries for guidance on identifying vetches.https://www.naturespot.org/family/fabaceae

Anywhere that the host plants are present.

Summer.

Larvae pupate in the soil when fully grown. There are two or three generations per year.

Status is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but it would appear to be widespread in England at least.

Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. The record from Broughton Astley on 25th June was the first for VC55.