What is sweet gum head fl?

Sweet gum head fly, also known as the "sweetgum fruit fly" or "sweetgum gallfly," is a type of gall-making insect that specifically attacks sweet gum trees. The fly lays eggs on the immature fruit of the tree, causing it to develop into a woody gall (also known as a "sweet gum ball"). Inside the gall, the larvae feed on the tissues of the fruit, eventually emerging as adult flies. Sweet gum head flies can cause damage to the appearance of a sweet gum tree, as well as affect the tree's growth and productivity. While there is no guaranteed defense against sweet gum head flies, certain insecticides and practices such as removing infected fruits and pruning affected branches can help control their populations.