Goldenrod fly gall

Description:

The entire life cycle of the goldenrod gall fly is closely connected to the goldenrod plant. The adult fly is tawny in color with speckled wings and is about five mm long. Females are slightly larger than males.

Notes:

When I was a kid, these made excellent scepters when we played at being kings and queens. We looked for a dried-out one, and broke it off just above the "stung place." If we were feeling especially festive, we decorated it ...