Tag: goldenrod gall fly

Closeup of a goldenrod stem on which a large round gall has formed. The stem and gall are purplish-red in color. The gall is several times wider than the narrow stem extending below and above the gall. Two narrow leaves grow out from the gall. Yellow goldenrod flowers can be seen, out of focus, in the background.

How Some Insects Turn Plants Into Pollution Detectors

A wide variety of insects cause their host plants to form protective galls. These abnormal growths are rich in nutrients—as well as contaminants the plant might absorb from the soil. New research shows these insect-induced galls can double as highly sensitive pollution detectors.

Entomology Today 3 weeks ago Leave a Comment

Rare Form of Fat Allows Flies to Survive at -80° Celsius

Despite being the size of a fingernail and sharing the physical traits of a water balloon, the goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis) is one of nature’s toughest creatures. It can […]