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Department of Entomology

Southeastern Apple Production

ENTOMOLOGY

Ladybeetle adult on apple leaf

Midges

Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Description

Larvae of A. aphidimyza are slender, bright orange, and up to 1/8 inch long when fully grown. Adults are long-legged, brown flies about 1/10 inch long. Eggs are very small (0.1 mm to 0.3 mm), oval, and orange.

Midge larva (center) with green apple aphids
Midge larva (center) with
green apple aphids
Midge larvae with green apple aphids
Midge larvae with green
apple aphids

Life History

Midges overwinter as larvae, pupating and emerging as adults by late spring. Mated adult females lay up to 70 eggs within aphid colonies. Eggs hatch within 2 to 4 days and larvae begin feeding on aphids. There are several generations per year.

Predation

Midge larvae feed on Green apple and spirea aphids. One individual will consume anywhere from seven to several dozen aphids and may actually kill many more. Larvae disable their prey's legs and then suck out the body contents.

Insect and Mite Management Overview
Insect and Mite Index


Southeastern Apple Production
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828.684.3562 ~ Fax: 828.684.8715
Email: jim_walgenbach@ncsu.edu

 


Web Crafters: Anne S. Napier and Steve Schoof
Email: steve_schoof@ncsu.edu

 

Updated March 26, 2007