gall midge

noun

: any of numerous minute dipteran flies (family Cecidomyiidae) most of which cause gall formation in plants

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Once stuck head-to-tail, the gall midge larva will pressurize its body by pumping internal fluids to its lower regions and then use that force to flick its head upwards for a liftoff. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 8 Aug. 2019 There is another possibility for the daylily symptoms – the daylily gall midge. oregonlive, 31 July 2021 While the foliage of the daylily can be lush, the buds can become infested with the larvae of the daylily gall midge. oregonlive, 31 July 2021 The secret of how these legless, wingless creatures — a form of gall midge larvae — managed these aerial acrobatics had yet to be pinpointed. Alicia Petska, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gall midge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gall midge was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near gall midge

Cite this Entry

“Gall midge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gall%20midge. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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