Oak Pea Gall Wasp
Acraspis pezomachoides
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Cynipoidea
- Family: Cynipidae
- Tribe: Cynipini
- Genus: Acraspis
- Species: pezomachoides
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acraspis pezomachoides: //əˈkraspɪs ˌpɛzoʊmæˈkɔɪdziːz//
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Summary
Acraspis pezomachoides, or the Oak Pea Gall Wasp, is a gall-forming insect that induces the formation of spherical galls on the veins of white oak trees. Galls develop from early summer, with adults emerging in the fall.
Physical Characteristics
Galls are spherical or ellipsoidal, naked and faceted to spiny. Young galls are light green, rose-tinted, becoming yellow or brown. Diameter is about 1/4 inch, typically two-celled. Spines, when present, are purplish red.
Identification Tips
Galls can be observed on the veins of white oak (Quercus alba), which are indicative of Acraspis pezomachoides. Look for galls that are spherical or ellipsoidal with spiny facets.
Habitat
Typically found in deciduous forests where white oak (Quercus alba) is present.
Distribution
Primarily distributed in areas where white oaks are located, including the D.C. area.
Diet
The larvae feed on the tissues of the host plant, specifically the white oak.
Life Cycle
Full-grown galls are present in early July; pupae can be found in the galls by September 1, with adults emerging likely in November and December.
Reproduction
The species reproduces through laying eggs in the host plant, leading to gall formation.
Predators
Known parasitoids include Eurytoma (Eurytomidae) and Ormyrus (Ormyridae).
Ecosystem Role
As a gall-forming species, they play a role in the ecosystem by contributing to plant diversity and influencing plant health.
Collecting Methods
- Field collection of galls during the growing season.
Preservation Methods
- Preserving galls in ethanol or drying them for display.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Gall wasps are often mistaken for harmful pests, but they primarily affect plant growth and do not pose significant threats to human activities.
Tags
- gall wasp
- Acraspis pezomachoides
- Cynipidae
- oak gall
- Quercus alba