Jewel Oak Gall Wasp
Acraspis quercushirta
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Cynipoidea
- Family: Cynipidae
- Tribe: Cynipini
- Genus: Acraspis
- Species: quercushirta
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acraspis quercushirta: //əˈkræspɪs ˌkwɜrkəsˈhɜrtə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Acraspis quercushirta, known as the jewel oak gall wasp, is a North American gall wasp species that induces the formation of distinctive galls on white oak leaves, contributing to the complex ecology surrounding oak trees.
Physical Characteristics
Galls are oval or rounded, measuring 2.5-4 mm, pale green or yellowish in color, with a surface that is fissured into facets ending in short, hard points.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive oval galls on the underside of leaves, which may appear in various colors including white, yellowish, tan, or brown.
Habitat
Primarily associated with white oaks, including bur oak, Gambel oak, Chapman oak, swamp chestnut oak, and chestnut oak.
Distribution
Found in North America.
Diet
The larvae feed within the galls that develop on the host oak leaves.
Life Cycle
Has two generations per year: an asexual (agamic) generation in the fall and a sexual generation in the spring.
Reproduction
Females of the sexual generation oviposit on the veins of host leaves, inducing gall formation.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a facilitator of gall formation, impacting host tree health and local ecology.
Collecting Methods
- Handpicking galls from host leaves
- Using sweep nets to sample adult wasps from oak trees
Preservation Methods
- Drying galls for study
- Collecting in alcohol for genetic analysis
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Generally considered harmless to humans and trees; however, the presence of galls may indicate health issues in the oak trees.
Tags
- Acraspis quercushirta
- Gall Wasp
- Cynipidae
- North America
- Oak Trees