Red Cone Gall Wasp

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Feron kingi: //ˈfɛrɒn ˈkɪn.dʒi//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Feron kingi, known as the red cone gall wasp, induces distinctive red cone galls on the leaves of the valley oak, Quercus lobata, leading to a unique interaction with its host plant.

Physical Characteristics

Galls are detachable red cones measuring about 5 mm tall.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctive red cone galls on the leaves of oak trees, particularly on Quercus lobata.

Habitat

Primarily found in environments where white oak species, such as the valley oak, are present.

Distribution

Native to regions where Quercus lobata is found, likely limited to areas with these oak trees.

Diet

Larvae feed on the plant tissues within the galls, particularly the leaves of oak trees.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid inside the leaves, hatch into larvae that feed and induce gall formation, pupate, and emerge as adults.

Reproduction

Primarily parthenogenetic, with females laying eggs inside the leaves of host trees.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a herbivore, affecting the host plant's health through gall formation and feeding.

Economic Impact

Galls generally cause only minor damage to the host plant and are not known to have significant economic impacts.

Collecting Methods

• Surgical removal of galls from host trees for study.

Preservation Methods

• Drying
• Alcohol preservation

Similar Taxa

• Other species of Cynipidae

Misconceptions

Galls may look harmful but generally cause only minor damage to the host plant.

Tags

• Feron kingi
• Red Cone Gall Wasp
• Cynipidae
• Quercus lobata