Galls are fascinating structures! They can be created by insects, mites or even fungi or bacteria. They can be round, pointy, finger shaped, fuzzy, spined, and more! This missions focus is on galls created by arthropods only (mites, wasps, flies, etc.).
Galls are created when a host plant responds to an "attack" by an insect or mite by producing extra tissue. The insects or mites then assist the extra plant tissue through various means to produce a home within where there is food and protection from the elements.
Arthropod galls found in the Northeastern United States (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware) as well as southern Ontario and Quebec may be added to this Mission! Please try to have your contributions as complete as possible. If you know the common name, please make sure to add the scientific name as well!
Mission Wall