Close-up of a gall (round, centre) on a germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) plant. These galls are caused by the gall midge (Jaapiella veronicae

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Close-up of a gall (round, centre) on a germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) plant. These galls are caused by the gall midge (Jaapiella veronicae), which lays its eggs inside the plant's tissue. When they hatch, the larvae secrete chemicals that cause the leaf's tissue to form a protective 'bubble' (gall) around them.

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Size: 5151px × 3415px
Photo credit: © BOB GIBBONS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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