GALL INDUCING BUTTERFLIES
 
When I saw plant galls for the first time I wanted to know what species there were to be found basically, and so I started collecting anything that looked like a plant gall. Boxes full of them I have now. Nowadays I think it is better for me to take pictures (digital or slides) and when you are interested in the gall maker itself, it is a good idea to try to get the inhabitants to emerge from the galls. The list of species described below are gall makers and their hosts, from species that I myself or another gall studying person has seen. A description is given and, where possible, a picture. For people who are interested in the Dutch distribution of pant galls can soon take a look at the database we are preparing for this website. Since the subject of plant galls becomes more popular only recently, we do not have yet such an extended database. Any contribution is welcome!
Petrova resinella is a butterfly on Pinus sylvestris I have at least seen in the Meinweg in Limburg. But it is also found in other places. Big lumps of raisin are stuck to the branches. They are slightly elongated and only on one side of the branch. Under the cover of raisin you find the caterpillar, not so beautiful with colours, brown, but since the caterpillar is totally hidden from the world it is of course not necessary for it to scare predators away with fancy colours.

   
Blennocampa phyllocolpa is a butterfly that can be found on native species of roses, but sometimes also on garden roses. Both sides of the leaf are roled downward. The caterpiller is green. I think this species should actually not be grouped with the galls, although the species is n literatuit is usually mentioned in books with keys on plant galls. Appart from the leafrolle this butterfly does not cause any alterations to the rose.

   

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