Why do my honeylocust leaflets look like little pods?

Honeylocust podgall midge larvae curl and swell new leaflets into pod galls.

Will my honeylocust recover from pod galls?

Usually; outbreaks often collapse when new growth stops, and CSU says lasting harm from these pests is extremely rare.

Infested leaflets form pod-shaped galls instead of expanding normally.^[1]
Each gall holds two to eight cream-colored larvae or pupae; after adults emerge, galls drop and leave bare leaf stalks.^[1]

CSU Extension covers it as a common pest of honeylocust in Colorado; all common honeylocust varieties appear susceptible.^[1]

US map: public records from 22 states since 1990 (GBIF).

It has several generations a year, about three to four weeks apart, from first shoot growth through midsummer.^[1]

When new growth stops, adults apparently go dormant until the next spring.^[1]

Heavy infestations can temporarily destroy all new growth, but already-expanded leaflets aren't hurt.^[1]

It feeds on plants; CSU Extension mentions no risk to people.^[1]

Severe weather, predatory plant bugs and a small parasitic wasp help, and outbreaks often collapse when new growth stops.^[1]

Chemical controls are only moderately effective; sprays during egg laying on the earliest generations matter most.^[1]

Why do my honeylocust leaflets look like little pods?: Honeylocust podgall midge larvae curl and swell new leaflets into pod galls.^[1]
Will my honeylocust recover from pod galls?: Usually; outbreaks often collapse when new growth stops, and CSU says lasting harm from these pests is extremely rare.^[1]

Colorado State University Extension, “Insect and Mite Pests of Honeylocust (Fact Sheet 5.571).” extension.colostate.edu/resource/insect-and-mite-pests-of-honeylocust/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
iNaturalist, “Dasineura gleditchiae taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/367311 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.