Gall Midge (Mango)
Erosomyia mangiferae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameGall Midge (Mango)
DescriptionMango gall midges cause swellings (galls) on flower clusters and young shoots, preventing fruit set. Identify orange larvae inside galls to stop this destructive pest.
TypeInsect
FamilyCecidomyiidae
GenusErosomyia
TribeCecidomyiini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderDiptera
SubfamilyCecidomyiinae
Features
- A serious pest of mango crops (Erosomyia mangiferae) that specifically targets the flowering parts and tender shoots
- Adult flies are tiny and delicate; they lay eggs in the folds of the inflorescences or on the buds of young shoots
- Larvae (maggots) are distinctive orange-yellow grubs that feed inside the plant tissue, inducing the formation of abnormal swellings called galls
- Inflorescence galls cause the flower cluster to become stunted, thickened, and eventually turn black and dry up
- Severe infestations can lead to a total failure of the fruit set, as the majority of the flowers are destroyed or fail to develop
- Feeding on shoot tips causes 'die-back' of new growth, resulting in bushy, distorted branching patterns
- The larvae emerge from the galls and drop to the soil to pupate. They can remain dormant in the soil during unfavorable seasons
- Damage is most severe during the peak flowering periods when weather is cool and slightly humid
- Manage by deep plowing the soil under the mango canopy to expose and destroy the pupating larvae
- Apply systemic insecticides during the early 'mustard-size' stage of flower development if a history of infestation exists
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificErosomyia mangiferae
English (Alternate)Mango inflorescence midge
Hindiआम का गॉल मिज (Aam ka gall midge)
Tamilமாமரம் தண்டு வண்டு (Mamaram thandu vandu)
Teluguమామిడి పూత మిడ్జి (Mamidi pootha midge)
Malayalamമാവിലെ ഗാൾ മിഡ്ജ് (Māvile gāḷ miḍj)
Kannadaಮಾವಿನ ಹೂವಿನ ಮಿಡ್ಜ್ ಹುಳು (Māvina hūvina miḍj huḷu)
Sanskritआम्र-कीट (Āmra-kīṭa)
Bengaliআমের গল মিজ (Amer gall midge)
Frenchcécidomyie du manguier
Russianманговая галлица (mangovaya gallitsa)
Spanishmosquita de la agalla del mango
GermanMangogalldücke
