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. Action Threshold - Deciding to treat Wheat is ONLY susceptible to midge attack between heading and flowering. 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. How to Scout for Wheat Midge Monitor wheat fields between heading and flowering. When anthers are visible, a wheat head is flowering.