Druon pattoni
(Bassett, 1881)
Druon pattoni is a of cynipid gall wasp in the Cynipidae, found in the United States. It forms leaf galls on several oak species (Quercus chapmanii and Quercus stellata, with tentative records from Quercus margarettae and Quercus sinuata var. breviloba). Only the is known; emerge from mature galls in October to November.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Druon pattoni: //ˈdruːɒn ˈpæˌtoʊni//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar cynipid gall wasps by its specific gall on oak leaves and plant associations. The galls appear on the abaxial (lower) leaf surface. Previously classified under Andricus, it was transferred to Druon based on phylogenetic studies. Accurate identification requires examination of gall structure and host plant; are small typical of the .
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Habitat
Associated with oak woodlands and forests where occur. Found in supporting Quercus chapmanii (Chapman oak), Quercus stellata (post oak), and related oak species.
Distribution
United States: recorded from Connecticut to Florida, west to Oklahoma and Texas. Distribution corresponds to the range of its primary oaks.
Seasonality
emerge from mature leaf galls in October to November. Gall development presumably occurs during the growing season prior to maturation in fall.
Host Associations
- Quercus chapmanii - gall primary
- Quercus stellata - gall primary
- Quercus margarettae - gall tentative record
- Quercus sinuata var. breviloba - gall tentative record
Life Cycle
Only the is known. Females lay in oak leaf tissue; larvae develop inside galls that the plant forms in response to secreted . Larvae pupate within galls, and emerge by chewing exit holes. The appears to be with fall .
Ecological Role
As a gall inducer, modifies oak leaf tissue to create protected microhabitats for larval development. Galls represent a specialized form of plant-insect interaction where the insect manipulates plant growth processes.
Human Relevance
Of interest to entomologists studying gall wasp diversity, oak-insect interactions, and the evolution of asexuality in cynipids. Not known to cause significant economic damage to oaks.
Similar Taxa
- Andricus dimorphusAlso a cynipid gall wasp on oaks, but forms clustered midrib galls on Quercus muhlenbergii rather than abaxial leaf galls
- Atrusca quercuscentricolaForms colorful galls on Quercus stellata leaves, but gall and position differ
- Disholcaspis quercusglobulusCynipid on oaks, but forms round bullet galls on twigs rather than leaf galls