Callirhytis congregata
(Ashmead, 1896)
sausage flower gall wasp
Callirhytis congregata is a to California that induces distinctive on the catkins of three oak : coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). The species was originally described by William Harris Ashmead in 1896 under the Andricus. It is considered locally common within its range. The galls are described as , yellowish- woody swellings with multiple , appearing to grow from the tips of slender twigs with a long peduncle-like base.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callirhytis congregata: /kælɪˈraɪtɪs ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪtə/
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Identification
The sausage flower can be distinguished from other oak galls by its elongated, form attached to catkin structures rather than leaves or twigs. The gall surface is (wrinkled) and yellowish- when mature, with a woody texture. Multiple larval are contained within a single gall structure. This differs from leaf galls such as those produced by Neuroterus , and from the round, spongy oak apples formed by other cynipids. The specific association with oak catkins is a diagnostic feature.
Habitat
Coastal and interior oak woodlands in California, specifically associated with stands of coast live oak, interior live oak, and canyon live oak. The form on reproductive structures (catkins) of these trees.
Distribution
to California, North America. Documented on coast live oaks, interior live oaks, and canyon live oaks throughout the state.
Host Associations
- Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak; form on catkins
- Quercus wislizeni - interior live oak; form on catkins
- Quercus chrysolepis - canyon live oak; form on catkins
Similar Taxa
- Callirhytis quercuspunctataBoth are Callirhytis that induce on oaks; C. quercuspunctata produces the gouty oak gall on twigs rather than catkins
- Andricus speciesFormerly classified under Andricus; other Andricus produce different , often on leaves or rather than catkins