Andricus quercusflocci

Druon quercusflocci

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Cynipoidea
Family: Cynipidae
Tribe: Cynipini
Genus: Druon
Species: quercusflocci

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Druon quercusflocci: /ˈdɹuːɔn ˌkwɛrkuːsˈflɒkaɪ/

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Summary

Druon quercusflocci, also known as Cynips quercusflocci, is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that forms galls on the leaves of certain oak species. Galls fall off with leaves in the fall, and adult wasps emerge in the spring.

Physical Characteristics

Galls are woolly, dirty white, composed of 2-10 seed-like bodies attached by one end on the midrib, found on the upper or lower side of leaves.

Identification Tips

Look for woolly, dirty white galls on the leaves of white and chestnut oaks, particularly during autumn when galls fall with leaves.

Habitat

Found on white oak (Quercus alba) and chestnut oak (Q. prinus) hosts.

Diet

The larvae feed on the plant tissue within the galls formed on host plant leaves.

Life Cycle

Adults emerge in April or early May. Females ovipositing in buds have been observed in April.

Reproduction

Reproduces through oviposition in the buds of host trees.

Ecosystem Role

As gall-formers, they play a role in the interaction between oaks and herbivores in an ecosystem.