Rosette Gall Midge vs Japanese Blister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rosette Gall Midge Japanese Blister Beetle
Scientific Name Dasineura urticae Epicauta gorhami
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Meloidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Predators
Regions Europe East Asia, Japan/Korea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Japanese Blister Beetle

A black and orange striped blister beetle found in Japan and Korea. Known as 'tsuchi-hanmyo.' Contains cantharidin, a blistering agent, in its body fluids as a defense against predators.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, this beetle exudes hemolymph containing cantharidin from its leg joints, which can cause painful blisters on human skin.