Ministry of Agriculture
Apple Leaf Midge
Dasineura mali (Keif.)
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Apple leaves with rolled, reddish edges caused by apple leaf midge larvae |
Apple leaf midge larvae |
Life Cycle: This pest has been present in the lower Fraser Valley since 1991 and has recently been detected in the Okanagan Valley. It overwinters as larvae in the soil beneath host trees. Adults emerge from mid to late April in the Fraser Valley. A second generation of adults appears in late June into July. A third generation may be produced when conditions are suitable. The pupal stage lasts 2-3 weeks; larval stage 3-4 weeks.
Monitoring: There is no monitoring method aside from close inspection of leaves for the distinctive curling. Yellow sticky cards staked under host trees have not proven useful. Plastic pails coated on the inside with a sticky material and inverted over soil beneath host trees may be useful for detecting presence and emergence of adults.
Hosts: Apple.
Comments: Apple leaf midge larvae look identical to predaceous midge larvae that feed on aphids. Apple leaf midge feed on the upper surface of leaves causing the edges to roll tightly inwards and turn slightly reddish-purple. The feeding action of aphids on the undersides of leaves causes leaves to turn downwards and inwards.
Body length: Adult - 2.0mm; Mature larva - 2.0-3.0mm
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