Rabdophaga karschi explained

Rabdophaga karschi is a gall midge which forms galls on the twigs of sallows (Salix species).

Description

The genus Salix supports many galls, some of which are difficult to identify, particularly those caused by the gall midges in the genus Rabdophaga. R. karschi forms galls on the twigs of sallows. The gall is an approximately 3 mm wide, slender, spindle-shaped swelling of a twig. There is one red larva or a pupa and the larva makes an exit hole in the galled stem or occasionally in a bud.^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

The gall has been found in the Czech Republic, Great Britain and the Netherlands.^{[1] [3] [4]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Redfern. Margaret. Shirley. Peter. Boxham. Michael. British Plant Galls. 2011. Field Study Council. Shrewsbury. 978-185153-284-1. 282–299. Second.
2. Web site: Ellis. W N. Rabdophaga karschi (Kieffer, 1891). Plant Parasites of Europe. 21 March 2018.
3. Web site: Rabdophaga karschi (Kieffer, 1891). BioLib.CZ. 26 November 2017.
4. Web site: Beuk. Paul L. Nijveldt. Wim C. Checklist of the Diptera of the Netherlands. diptera.info. 26 November 2017.