An acquaintance of mine photographed this surface on a poplar branch. From the research carried out, I would think it may be the gall of the Aphid . However, I am not particularly familiar with the subject and would like a confirmation or a denial with the exact identification. Thank you!
@Arlette, good afternoon Arlette, looks like SUMAC LEAF GALL (a.k.a. Red Pouch, Pouch, Balloon, Potato, and Tomato gall) The gall maker is Melaphis rhois, the Staghorn sumac aphid (the genus of sumac is Rhus). As a group, aphids are not into gall making; this one is in the wooly aphid subfamily (Eriosomatinae), in the family Aphididae, and it’s the only species in its genus. Like many galls, it may look funny, but it doesn’t hurt the plant, though a heavy infestation may cause the sumac’s leaves to turn color and fall a bit early.
