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gallfly

gallfly

9.9
An insect that lays eggs in plants and causes swellings called galls where young insects grow
  • noun
  • /ˈɡɔlˌflaɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mosca de la agalla
  • The oak tree was covered in strange lumps caused by the larvae of the gallfly.

Examples

  • Scientists studied the life cycle of the gallfly to understand how it induces gall formation.

  • Several species of gallfly are important in forestry and horticulture.

  • The gallfly is a fascinating insect.

  • Many plants are affected by the gallfly larvae.

  • Scientists studied the life cycle of the gallfly to understand how it induces gall formation.

  • The oak tree was covered in strange lumps caused by the larvae of the gallfly.

  • Many plants are affected by the larvae of the gallfly.

Synonyms

gall wasp
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
3 8.6

A small wasp that makes growths on oak leaves where its young grow

is any insect that lays eggs in plants causing galls for larvae
adelgid
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small insect that eats needles of pine and spruce trees and makes plant growths

is a general egg laying gall causing insect not only a conifer feeder
cynipid gall wasp
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A small wasp that makes round growths called galls on oak trees and other plants

is the general insect causing galls not limited to that family
cynipid wasp
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A small wasp that lays eggs on oak leaves causing round growths

is any egg-laying insect causing galls beyond that family
Cynips
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A small wasp that makes strange growths on oak trees

is the broad term for any insect that makes galls on plants
Amphibolips
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small wasps that make round growths on oak trees

is the general name for insects that make galls across plants
gall midge
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A small delicate fly whose young make small round bumps on plants

is any insect that lays eggs causing galls not only flies
gall gnat
vsgallfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A small fly that makes bumps on plant leaves or stems

is the broader insect category causing galls not just mosquito like flies

Surface Forms

gallfly singular
gallflies plural

Morphology

gallfly = gall + fly (semi-transparent) = gall + fly

The meaning is a straightforward compound 'gall' + 'fly', but 'gall' is a specialised botanical term that some learners may not know.

Etymology

Gallfly is made from gall ('a swelling or lump on a plant') and fly ('a small insect'). So a gallfly is an insect that makes plants grow galls where its young live.