Abstract
Goldenrod galls are a valuable resource for use in biology labs (Peard 1992). Goldenrods and the associated gall-forming insects are often abundant in early stages of old-field succession. In addition, these old-field habitats can be accessible to groups of students. The laboratory exercise described here takes advantage of this resource to explore a question concerning the behavior of the female gall-forming insects as they lay eggs on the goldenrod plant. The most common gall-makers on goldenrods are Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae), Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and Rhopalomyia solidaginis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). The goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis, produces a spherical swelling (ball gall) on the upper stem of goldenrods, about 2.5 cm in diameter and containing a single fly larva (Milne 1940). The larva pupates in early spring, emerging from the gall in April or May. Adult flies mate, and females begin laying eggs by late May (Miller 1959). Oviposition, the laying of an egg by the female, was described in detail by Abrahamson et al. (1989):
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