Habitat and feeding habits are the same as above. Winter is spent in the larval stage. Populations are present in several western states, including Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado. Aphthona flea beetles can kill leafy spurge plants as a direct or indirect consequence of larval feeding on spurge roots. Habitat and feeding habits are the same as above.
Winter is spent in the larval stage.
Cecidomyiid midge Photo by R. Richard Spurgia esulae Approved for release into the U.S. in 1985. Leafy spurge-infested grasslands. Larvae feed on the shoots and stimulate the plant to form a tumor-like gall on the shoot tips. Larvae feed and develop within the galls. The gall keeps shoots from forming flowers or seeds.