Pear leaf-curling midge

An occasional pest for those producing pear trees, the pear leaf-curling midge, Dasineura pyri, causes damage to pear leaves which is generally seen during the summer months. So far, reports of damage have been on fruiting pear varieties.

Similar to other leaf galling midges, pear leaf-curling midge oviposits eggs on new growth. Eggs hatch and the developing larvae feed causing the leaves to form folds or galls alongside their outer edge which blacken. The larvae pupate in the fold galls or drop to the ground. There are thought to be three-six generations per year.

More information and images can be found at this European website: HYPP Zoology: pear leaf-curling midge

Page last modified 7/10/06

Pear leaf-curling midge damage and larva (emerging from lower leaf fold) on 'Parker' pear. Photo: Heather Stoven

Pear leaf-curling midge damage and larva (emerging from lower leaf fold) on 'Parker' pear. Photo: Heather Stoven

Pear leaf-curling midge damage to 'Parker' pear. Photo: Heather Stoven

Pear leaf-curling midge damage to 'Parker' pear.
Photo: Heather Stoven

Pear leaf-curling midge larva. Photo: Heather Stoven

Pear leaf-curling midge larva.
Photo: Heather Stoven