Wheat midges, including the wheat red midge and wheat yellow midge, are significant pests affecting wheat crops in China. The scientific name of the wheat red midge is *Sitodiplosis mosellana* (Göth), while the wheat yellow midge is *Contarinia tritici* (Kieffer). Both species belong to the order Diptera, family Cecidomyiidae, and are considered global agricultural pests. The wheat red midge is commonly found in provinces such as Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Liaoning, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, and along river plains. It also thrives in high-latitude regions like Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia.
These pests primarily target wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other cereal crops. The larvae feed on the grains, causing damage that leads to shriveled or empty kernels. This feeding behavior results in significant yield losses and makes them a major threat to wheat production.
Morphologically, the adult wheat red midge has an orange-red body, with females measuring 2–2.5 mm in length and males about 2 mm. Their wings are transparent with four distinct veins, while their hind wings are reduced to balance organs. Female antennae are 14-segmented and appear as small beads, while male antennae have 12 segments with two bulges on each. Eggs are small, oblong, and light red. Larvae are 2–3 mm long, with an oval shape, an orange-yellow head, and a "Y"-shaped blade on the ventral side of the thorax. Pupae are 2 mm long, with short white hairs on the front of the head and one pair of breathing tubes.
The wheat yellow midge differs slightly in appearance, with females being bright yellow and having an ovipositor that extends beyond the body. Males are smaller, with a more streamlined structure. Eggs are banana-shaped, and larvae are yellow-green with a distinct blade at the front of the abdomen. These characteristics help distinguish the two species during field identification.
In terms of life habits, the wheat red midge typically completes one or more generations per year. Overwintering larvae emerge when soil temperatures reach above 10°C, becoming active during the jointing stage of wheat. As temperatures rise to around 15°C, they begin pupating and emerging as adults. Adult activity peaks during the booting and heading stages of wheat, with mating and egg-laying occurring in non-flowering ears. They are photophobic, hiding in the lower parts of the plant during midday and being most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
Eggs are laid in clusters within the ear, and larvae feed inside the grains, causing severe damage. The life cycle includes several molts, and larvae can remain dormant in the soil for up to 12 years if conditions are unfavorable. This dormancy contributes to their resilience and makes them difficult to control. Factors such as improved irrigation, fertilization, and crop rotation have increased their prevalence in certain regions.
Natural enemies of these pests include parasitic wasps, ants, and spiders. However, due to their small size and hidden lifestyle, monitoring and controlling them remains challenging.
Control strategies involve using resistant wheat varieties such as Xuzhou No. 21, Luoyang 851, and Wunong No. 99. Crop rotation and improved farming practices can also reduce infestations. Soil treatment before sowing with insecticides like 40% methyl parathion or 50% phoxim helps eliminate larvae. During the booting stage, applying poisoned soil or spraying insecticides like 40% dimethoate or 2.5% deltamethrin can effectively manage populations. Monitoring and timely intervention are crucial to prevent heavy infestations and minimize crop losses.
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