Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom (Sitodiplosis mosellana )

Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom biology & life cycle

Larvae overwinter in the soil; depending on soil moisture in spring, larvae move to the soil surface and pupate. Adults emerge from mid-June to late July; timed to emerence of wheat heads from the boot. Adults live for 3-5 days; eggs are placed under the edge of the glume or in spikelet grooves. Larvae feed in the kernel for 2-3 weeks and remain in the wheat head within a transparent skin. Rainfall triggers them to drop to the soil to overwinter. Larvae can remain in the soil for some years until moisture conditions are suitable. Larvae feed on the kernels but there is no outward appearance of damage. Wheat kernels must be separated and developing kernels inspected. Kernels may be completely destroyed by even a single maggot.

Identifying Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom

Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom: larvae

Larvae are orange and 2-3 mm long; up to 25 or more larvae on a single developing kernel.

Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom: Pupae

Larvae may pupate with or without a cocoon. Puape are brown, oval shaped and their cocoons are smaller than a canola seed.

Orange

Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom: adult

Adults are similar to a mosquito but smaller, 2-3 mm long, and bright orange with clear wings; the eyes are black. Larvae are orange and 2-3 mm long; up to 25 or more larvae on a single developing kernel.

Midge, Orange Wheat Blossom: management

Fields should be inspected on warm, calm humid evenings (in July) at dusk for presence of adult midge.