Druon fullawayi
(Beutenmüller, 1913)
yellow wig gall wasp
Druon fullawayi, commonly called the yellow wig gall wasp, is a of cynipid gall wasp native to western North America. The species was originally described by William Beutenmüller in 1913 under the Andricus and later transferred to Druon. It induces distinctive woolly, yellowish galls on oak trees, particularly valley oak (Quercus lobata). The species has been documented in California and Zacatecas, Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Druon fullawayi: /ˈdruːɒn ˈfʊləˌweɪaɪ/
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Identification
Distinguishable from other oak gall wasps by the distinctive woolly, yellowish galls on oaks. The combination of small size (under 2.5 mm), black body with brown appendages, and the specific gall on Quercus lobata aids identification. Previously classified under Andricus, which contains many oak gall wasps; transferred to Druon based on phylogenetic and morphological studies.
Images
Appearance
females are small, measuring 1.5–2.25 mm in length. Body coloration is predominantly black with brown mouthparts and brown legs. The galls are tan to yellow in color, woolly in texture, and spherical, measuring 5–8 mm in diameter. Each gall contains a single larval chamber.
Habitat
Associated with oak woodlands, particularly those containing Quercus lobata (valley oak). Galls form on oak trees. Specific microhabitat preferences beyond association are not documented.
Distribution
Known from California, USA, and Zacatecas, Mexico. Records are concentrated in California, particularly in association with valley oak .
Host Associations
- Quercus lobata - gall inductionvalley oak; primary documented
Ecological Role
As a gall inducer, modifies oak tissue to create protected larval chambers. The ecological impacts on trees and interactions with gall-associated or have not been documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or agricultural significance. The is primarily of interest to entomologists studying gall wasp diversity and oak-associated insect .
Similar Taxa
- Andricus spp.Formerly classified in this ; other Andricus also induce galls on oaks but differ in gall and associations
- Other Druon species also induce galls on oaks; differentiation requires examination of gall characteristics and specificity