Goldenrod Rosette Gall

Description:

This gall is formed by the larvae of a midge fly, which secretes a chemical that inhibits the growth of the stem but not the leaves. It has been referred to as an "ecosystem engineer", due to the abundance of arthropods that will take up residence in these formations.

Habitat:

Reclaimed farmland

Notes:

These midges are monogenous, meaning females will only produce offspring of a single sex during their lifetime. This is a reproductive mechanism that prevents inbreeding, by assuring siblings are unable to reproduce.