Beech Leaf-Gall Midge Hartigiola annulipes

 

The gall of the midge Hartigiola annulipes develops on Beech leaves.  It cannot be confused with anything else.  There were very few records in Highland, and only one hectad in |Scotland was shown on the NBN Gateway, but we knew they were present much more widely.

If you see Beech trees in Highland, check the upper surface of the leaves for these very distinctive galls, and report them via the 'Submitting records' page.  This allows you to submit records on line.  They may not be on the first tree or hedge you search, and there may only be a few on a tree, so persevere!  The galls may also be found on fallen leaves.

The midge itself will be very difficult to see, and even more difficult to identify, but the gall is unique, so makes our job a lot easier!

Keep it in mind if you have a Beech hedge, when you are in the park, or on a walk.

 Hartigiola annulipes  Fresh galls - pale green and hairy, 1-3mm high.

Hartigiola annulipes

Old gall on a dry leaf - reddish.
Photos © Murdo Macdonald.

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