# Sponge Gall Midge (*Rhopalomyia pomum*)

The Sponge Gall Midge is a tiny insect that makes special galls on plants. These galls look like little sponges and are homes for the midge's larvae. They are small but play an important role in nature!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Sponge Gall Midge](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Rhopalomyia_pomum_gall.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Chloe and Trevor Van Loon, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rhopalomyia_pomum_gall.jpg)

## Appearance

The Sponge Gall Midge is a tiny, delicate insect, typically light brown or grey, with slender legs and feathery antennae. Its transparent wings are often longer than its body, setting it apart from bulkier flies.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Diptera
- **Family:** Cecidomyiidae
- **Genus:** Rhopalomyia

## Interesting facts

- Adult midges live only a few days, just long enough to lay eggs!
- Each gall is like a tiny apartment building for baby midges!
- Their galls feel squishy, earning them the 'sponge' name!
- These midges are masters at making plants grow weird shapes!

## Special abilities

- **Plant Architect:** Sponge Gall Midges can make plants grow unique, spongy shelters called galls that protect their young inside.
- **Growth Control:** Sponge Gall Midges trigger plant cells to grow abnormally because they inject chemicals into the plant tissue.
- **Stealthy Nursery:** Sponge Gall Midges have galls that hide their larvae safely from predators, helping them develop undisturbed.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 2-5 mm
- **Size:** 1-3 mm
- **Lifespan:** 1-7 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Adults might sip nectar, but larvae munch on plant juices from inside their cozy galls.

- **Age differences:** Larvae feed on plant tissue inside galls, while adults may sip nectar or not feed.
- **Primary Foods:** plant sap, plant tissue, nectar

## Ecological connections

- **Depends on:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — The midge larvae feed on its tissues to survive.
- **Parasitizes:** Goldenrod Gall Wasp (*Platygaster solidaginis*) — This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside midge larvae.
- **Eaten by:** [Black-capped Chickadee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-capped-chickadee) (*Poecile atricapillus*) — Birds often peck open galls to eat the midge larvae.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Sponge Gall Midge?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Sponge Gall Midge's wingspan?

2-5 mm

### How big is Sponge Gall Midge?

1-3 mm

### How long does Sponge Gall Midge live?

1-7 days

### What does Sponge Gall Midge eat?

Adults might sip nectar, but larvae munch on plant juices from inside their cozy galls.

### Where is Sponge Gall Midge usually found?

Forests

### How many legs does Sponge Gall Midge have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Sponge Gall Midge: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sponge-gall-midge)