Clumps of white hair caused by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) on glasswort Salsola imbricata on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar
The photograph presents a close-up view of a plant with white hairs on its stems and leaves, likely caused by gall midges (gall gnats). The plant is identified as glasswort (Salsola imbricata), which grows on rocky ridges.
**Key Features:**
* **Plant:** Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) growing on a rocky ridge.
* **Growth Habit:** Clumps of white hair caused by gall midges on stems and leaves.
**Inference:**
The presence of the white hairs suggests that the plant is being attacked by an insect pest, specifically the gall midge. This infestation may impact the plant's health and growth.
**Context:**
* **Location:** Jebel Fuwairit, Qatar.
* **Time:** January 31, 2015.
* **Environmental Conditions:** Not specified but likely a desert or arid environment given the rocky ridge habitat of glasswort. – AI vision
