Callirhytis quercusmodesta
Callirhytis quercusmodesta is a of gall wasp in the Cynipidae. The species induces galls on oaks (Quercus spp.) as part of its . Like other members of the Callirhytis, it exhibits heterogony, with alternating sexual and that produce morphologically distinct galls. The species is known from the central United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callirhytis quercusmodesta: /ˌkælɪˈraɪtɪs ˌkwɜːrkəsmoʊˈdɛstə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Callirhytis by gall and association. The sexual gall of C. quercusmodesta is a small, rounded, detachable structure on oak leaves. Differentiation from C. quercuspunctata and C. clavula requires examination of gall texture, size, and seasonal timing; C. quercusmodesta galls lack the spongy interior of oak apples and appear earlier in the season than the hard, woody galls of C. clavula.
Habitat
Associated with oak-dominated , including deciduous woodlands and forest edges.
Distribution
Central United States, including Missouri.
Seasonality
Sexual galls appear in spring; generation galls develop later in the growing season.
Diet
Larvae feed on gall tissue induced on oak plants. do not feed; their mouthparts are reduced or non-functional.
Host Associations
- Quercus - gall inducerSexual and induce distinct gall types on oak
Life Cycle
Heterogonic with alternating sexual and . The sexual generation develops in small, detachable leaf galls; females emerge and lay in oak tissue, inducing asexual generation galls. Asexual females produce offspring parthenogenetically, completing the cycle.
Ecological Role
Gall induction modifies oak tissue, creating microhabitats that may support and .
Human Relevance
Of minor economic importance; galls may cause aesthetic damage to ornamental oaks but rarely affect tree health significantly.
Similar Taxa
- Callirhytis quercuspunctataBoth induce galls on oaks; C. quercuspunctata produces the 'gouty oak gall,' a woody, irregular swelling on twigs rather than a detachable leaf gall.
- Callirhytis clavulaBoth in same ; C. clavula produces hard, woody galls in fall, unlike the earlier, more succulent galls of C. quercusmodesta.
- Antistrophus lygodesmiaepisumBoth are cynipid gall wasps found in Missouri prairie ; A. lygodesmiaepisum induces stem galls on Silphium integrifolium (rosinweed) rather than oaks, with galls exhibiting latex exudation.