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Resseliella skuhravyorum

Cone scale midge

Description

It is a serious larch-cone pest. The swarming season of this cone scale midge is in April and corresponds with the larch blooming period. The females oviposit on sprouting cones. After hatching the tiny bright orange larvae, only 2-3 mm in size even in maturity, tunnel deep into the cones to feed till mid-August. The mature larvae leave the cone and spend the winter buried in the ground litter. The cone surface is discoloured brown, distorted, with no evident frass or excessive formation of resin. When cross-cut, damage is apparent inside. Affected may be the seeds, medulla and cone scales. The species has one generation in a year.

Symptom

The cone surface is discoloured brown, distorted, with no evident frass or excessive formation of resin. 

Tree Species: Larch

Part of a plant- attacked: Fruit / Seed

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes