Rosette Gall Midge vs Heike Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rosette Gall Midge Heike Firefly
Scientific Name Dasineura urticae Luciola lateralis
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Lampyridae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Omnivores
Regions Europe Japan, Korean Peninsula
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

Heike Firefly

A Japanese firefly associated with rice paddies, smaller than the Genji firefly. It flashes more rapidly and is found in lowland wetland habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is named after the Heike clan from Japanese history and is celebrated alongside the Genji firefly in summer festivals.