Iteomyia capreae

Iteomyia capreae is a gall midge that causes galls to form on the leaves of sallows (Salix). The galls are small, and usually on the leaf surface forming a hard pouch, domed above and conical below, with a circular red-rimmed opening below; greenish, becoming yellow, brown, purple or red without hairs inside. Occasionally the galls are in side vein which become swollen and hard.

Contains a larva which is white when young; later orange or red.

Iteomyia major forms larger galls in coalesced groups associated with the midrib and side veins.  Several species or mite and sawfly cause galls on sallows, and are superficially similar.

Gall  Adult

Check the underside for the red-rimmed opening.

Photo of underside as well as upperside

Where the host species occur.

Whenever willow species are in leaf.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.