Rosette Gall Midge vs Skin Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rosette Gall Midge Skin Moth
Scientific Name Dasineura urticae Monopis laevigella
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Tineidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 12-18 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
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.

Skin Moth

A small dark brown moth with a pale spot on each forewing that breeds in bird nests and animal remains. It is one of nature's recyclers, breaking down keratin-rich waste.

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Did You Know?

Forensic entomologists use its presence on corpses to help estimate time of death in criminal investigations.