noun
gall; plant gall
Refers to abnormal plant growths caused by insects, such as those on leaves or stems. A technical term used in botany and entomology.
この葉にできた虫えいは、タマバエの幼虫が原因です。
The gall on this leaf is caused by gall midge larvae.
Compound of 虫 (insect) and えい (gall). The second character 癭 is now considered outdated and is commonly replaced by the kana えい.