Dasineura trifolii

Dasineura trifolii is a midge whose larvae cause galls on the leaves of Clover and especially White Clover. The gall forces the leaflets to fold upwards along the midrib therefore creating a pod-like structure. Just above the fold the gall takes the form of numerous red and green swellings that run the entire length of the leaf. Each gall holds one or two larvae that start off white and become more orange as they mature.

Adult Gall

On the leaves of Clover especially White Clover.

The gall is best seen from June until October.

The closed upper margins of the leaves eventually separate, the larvae fall to the ground and pupation takes place in the soil.

Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, but under recorded.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland but under recorded.