Gall.
Infested stems can usually be discerned by a somewhat abnormal thickening, though occasionally a badly infested stem may be nearly twice the usual size. The female appears to deposit eggs in a small slit in the stem, the larva usually tunneling the pith and frequently excavating a channel just beneath the surface

Neolasioptera hibisci (Felt)

Galls are irregular, ridged, and 2-3 cm long.
Larvae develop in tunnels, mainly in the pith, overwinter in the stalks, and pupate there in spring.

Host: Hibiscus moscheutos
Distr: New York, North Carolina, and Louisiana.