The Gall of Those Midges!

Abstract

Midges are small fly-like insects in the Cecidomyiidae family of flies (order Diptera) that are likely to be noticed only by the most astute of observers. A gall is the result of a reaction by a plant to irritation. There is a gall midge causing distal terminal dieback on Norway spruce (later identified as Norway spruce shoot gall midge). Other gall midges mentioned in the article include the balsam gall midge, the Douglas-fir needle midge, the honeylocust pod gall midge, and the maple eye spot gall midge.