Eggs hatch in 4 to 7 days. Larvae are orange colored. They feed on the developing kernels within the glume. No changes in external appearance of the wheat plant takes place. They drop from the wheat heads in August after rain or heavy dew.
Wheat is the most important host plant.
Barley is not very susceptible to wheat midge. The decision to treat wheat for midge should be determined by growth stage and the number of midge found on wheat heads during the evening scouting activities. The threshold may be lowered to 1 adult midge per 7 to 8 wheat heads when wheat prices are very favorable. Monitor wheat fields between heading and flowering. Wind speeds should be below 6 mph.