Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer) is endemic to Europe and Southeast Asia. It is a relatively new insect pest in North America, as it was first identified in Ontario, Canada in 2000 and in the United States in 2004 in Niagara County, New York. Most major economic losses are reported in Ontario and Quebec, Canada and in New York State and Vermont (Fig. 1), where swede midge populations have been established for many years. Recently, farms in Maine, Michigan, and Minnesota have reported economic losses due to this pest. Due to its small size, monitoring challenges, and mistaken damage symptoms, it is likely that swede midge is more widespread than currently known.

If you believe you have swede midge on your farm, consult your local extension service, university, or agricultural service provider for assistance in identification and reporting presence of this invasive pest.

States and provinces where swede midge has been confirmed:

U.S.

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• New York
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Maine

Canada

• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island