Rhopalomyia anthophila

Rhopalomyia anthophila the Downy Flower Gall Midgeis a species of gall midges, insects in the family Cecidomyiidae. It induces galls on the host Solidago altissima across much of North America.

Galls and Biology
The gall that is a modified capitulum, which is cylindrical and measures 5-10 mm in length and 2.-3.5 mm in width. It is usually slightly wider bassaly than at its tip and is covered by short, white hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. The gall is green, situated among normal capitula, accompanied by tiny leaves and/or ray florets at its base. The gall contains a single chamber with an inner, conical chamber that contains a single larva facing downwards. Larvae turn to face upwards before pupation. Galls become apparent in mid-August, and pupation takes place in late August to mid-September.