Plantain Gall Weevil vs Rosette Gall Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Plantain Gall Weevil Rosette Gall Midge
Scientific Name Mecinus pyraster Dasineura urticae
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Curculionidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 3-4 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Gall Makers
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Plantain Gall Weevil

A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.

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Did You Know?

Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.

Rosette Gall Midge

A tiny midge that causes distinctive rosette galls on the tips of stinging nettles. The growing tip is stunted and swollen. Very common wherever nettles grow.

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Did You Know?

The distinctive bunched rosette galls on nettle tips are so common that most people have seen them without knowing the cause.