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Larval Presence in Nebraska and Iowa
June 26, 2026
With adult emergence occurring in late May and early June in Nebraska and Iowa, soybean gall midge larvae have now been detected at all monitoring sites in both states.
In Nebraska, dead and dying soybean plants have been documented at three locations in Lancaster County and two locations in Seward County. While the incidence of dead plants remains low (<3%), it is expected to increase over the next week as hot weather accelerates symptom development.
Now is a good time to scout soybean fields for the presence of larvae, particularly along field edges adjacent to last year's infested soybean fields. Once significant larval infestations are present, insecticide applications are not recommended because larvae are protected within the stem, making it difficult for insecticides to reach them effectively. To learn more about scouting, visit the Scouting tab above or use the link below:
Scouting for Soybean Gall Midge Larvae
2026 Season Notes: Adult emergence began May 29 in Nebraska and June 1 in Iowa. Larvae were first detected June 8 in Lancaster County, Nebraska, and June 17 in Iowa. Larvae are now present at all monitored locations in Nebraska and Iowa.
Soybean development stages with the presence of fissures below the cotyledonary node at the V2 stage. White and orange larvae can be found in infested plants at about 5-10 days after adult activity.
Figure 2. Larvae in soybean petiole, soybean field with soybean gall midge injury, and stem infested with soybean gall midge.
Wilting and dead plants from soybean gall midge feeding in Lancaster County, NE. Photo taken on July 19th, 2024. Credit: Justin McMechan
White larvae found on soybean plants near Mead, NE on June 14th, 2023.
Photo taken by Justin McMechan.
Unmanned aerial vehicle photo of soybean gall midge injured field in Cass County, NE taken on August 26th, 2020.
Photo courtesy of Nick Tinsley (Bayer Crop Science)
White and orange larvae found on soybean near Mead, NE on June 19th, 2023
