Pear Leaf-curling Midge vs Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pear Leaf-curling Midge Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly
Scientific Name Dasineura pyri Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Nymphalidae
Size 1-2 mm 3.5-4.5 cm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, introduced to North America and Australia United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Pear Leaf-curling Midge

A minute gall midge whose larvae cause pear leaves to roll tightly inward along their margins. Multiple generations can occur per year, progressively damaging pear tree foliage.

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Did You Know?

The larvae manipulate plant growth hormones to force leaves to curl around them, creating a protective shelter.

Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly

A small brown butterfly with distinctive eyespots found in calcareous fens of the Great Lakes region. Fewer than 20 populations remain.

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Did You Know?

It is so rare that many of its remaining colonies are kept secret to protect them from collectors.