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Using Gallformers Codes on iNaturalist

By Gallformers Team • January 30, 2026
guide inat undescribed

What is a Gallformers Code?

Many galls are caused by species that haven't been formally described by scientists yet. While we can recognize these galls by their distinctive appearance on specific host plants, we can't assign them to a named species because the inducing organism hasn't been studied and published in the scientific literature.

To track observations of these undescribed galls, Gallformers assigns each one a unique Gallformers Code. This code is typically based on the host plant and a descriptive element of the gall (for example, q-lobata-integral-leaf-gall for an integral leaf gall on Quercus lobata).

The Gallformers Code Observation Field on iNaturalist

iNaturalist allows users to add custom observation fields to their observations. The Gallformers Code observation field lets you tag your gall observations with the corresponding code from our database.

Why use it?

  • Track undescribed galls: Since these galls can't be identified to a species on iNaturalist, adding the Gallformers Code creates a way to search for and aggregate observations of the same gall type
  • Build phenology data: More observations with codes help us understand when and where these galls appear
  • Aid future research: When a taxonomist eventually describes the species, having a corpus of linked observations provides valuable data on distribution, phenology, and host associations
  • Connect the community: Other gall enthusiasts can find your observations when researching specific undescribed galls

How to Add a Gallformers Code to Your Observation

Step 1: Find the Code

On any undescribed gall page on Gallformers, you'll see an amber-colored box with the Gallformers Code displayed. You can click the code to copy it to your clipboard.

Step 2: Go to Your iNaturalist Observation

Navigate to the observation you want to tag. You can do this from your observations page or directly after uploading a new observation.

Step 3: Add the Observation Field

  1. Scroll down to the Observation Fields section (below the Data Quality Assessment)
  2. Click Add a Field...
  3. Search for "Gallformers Code"
  4. Select the field from the dropdown
  5. Paste or type the code in the value field
  6. Click the checkmark or press Enter to save

That's it! Your observation is now linked to this specific gall type in the Gallformers system.

Finding Observations with a Specific Code

From any undescribed gall page on Gallformers, click the "View observations collected with this code on iNaturalist" link to see all observations that have been tagged with that Gallformers Code.

You can also search directly on iNaturalist by using the observation field filter in the Explore or Identify pages.

Tips for Best Results

  • Copy the code exactly: The field value must match exactly, including hyphens and lowercase letters
  • Use it for undescribed galls only: Described species should be identified to species level on iNaturalist when possible
  • Include quality photos: Clear photos of the gall, any cross-sections, and the host plant help others confirm your identification
  • Add host plant info: If you're not certain of the host plant species, make a separate observation of the plant for identification

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