Rabdophaga strobiloides (Willow Pinecone Gall Midge)

Willow Pinecone Gall on Tea-leaf Willow (Salix planifolia).

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

This one is unbelievable. So some chemical is injected by the midge, and it grows into such a complex shape. Just how? Posted 4 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  There are a few papers on the subject that I'm trying to get a hold of that might describe the gall-forming process. Somehow the apical bud is forced to produce these multiple overlapling leaves. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Like a DNA/RNA hack of some kind? Clearly it goes over my head :)
    To me it's a process as "magical" as those fungi controlling insect brains. Posted 4 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      WOW. This is fascinating! Posted 4 years ago

The Willow Pinecone Gall Midge

''Rabdophaga strobiloides'', the willow pinecone gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The gall resembles a pinecone in shape.

Info 1 0

Similar species: True Flies

Species identified by Gary B