Obolodiplosis robiniae

The tiny white larvae of the midge Obolodiplosis robiniae mine the leaves of the introduced False Acacia or Black Locust Tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) causing the edge of the leaflet to roll downwards and thicken. Each roll may contain several white or yellowish larvae.

Gall  Adult

Where the larval host species False Acacia (Robinia Pseudoacacia) occurs – usually in gardens or parks.

The leaf roll galls can be seen when the host trees are in leaf.

There are several generations per year, the final one overwintering in the ground.

First recorded in Britain in 2007 it first became established in the south-east but has rapidly spread north and westwards.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.