Contarinia steini (Karsch, 1881)

Material: VE, Faerder: Hvasser, Krukehavn, 59.076776°N 10.452109°E ± 250m, 15 June 2019, on Silene nutans, LI, leg. ZF & AK, coll. NHMO ; Larvik: Rakke, Fuglevikstranda, 58.979964°N 10.018505°E ± 5m, 24 July 2021, on Silene latifolia, L, leg. TS, coll. NHMO

Biology and notes: The whitish to yellow larvae develop gregariously in galled flowers of Saponaria spp. and Silene spp. ( Caryophyllaceae). To our knowledge, Silene nutans represents a new host plant for this species. Infected flowers become swollen and do not open. Bivoltine; pupation and hibernation in the soil.

Distribution: Western Palearctic. Widespread in Europe including Norway, Sweden and Denmark.