Swede Midge vs Gall Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swede Midge Gall Wasp
Scientific Name Contarinia nasturtii Andricus quercuscalicis
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Cecidomyiidae Cynipidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Gall Makers
Regions Europe, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Swede Midge

A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.

Gall Wasp

A tiny wasp that induces knopper galls on oak acorns, deforming them completely.

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Did You Know?

It has alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce different gall types.