Goldenrod Leaf Gall

So-called galls on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) leaves produced in association with the midge fly Asteromyia carbonifera (family Cecidomyiidae) appear as white, circular structures on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. As the galls mature, they develop a faint black ring near the outer edge making them look target-like.

A number of interesting plant galls look so much like fungal structures that for years they were misidentified as a fungal plant disease.  Such is the case with the goldenrod leaf galls associated with the midge fly, Asteromyia carbonifera.