Feron parmula
(Bassett, 1900)
Disc Gall Wasp
Feron parmula, the disc , is a that induces distinctive disc-shaped on oak , particularly oaks and their hybrids. The galls are small, pale structures with red streaking, reaching up to 3 mm in diameter. females emerge in April. The species has been documented on the Pacific coast of North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Feron parmula: /ˈfɛr.ən pɑːrˈmuː.lə/
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Identification
Disc-shaped with pale coloration and red streaking, up to 3 mm diameter, on oak leaves and twigs. Distinguished from similar by gall and association: Feron gigas produces larger galls, Andricus viscidus has viscid (sticky) galls, and two recently identified (informally called "plate " and "orange-cap gall wasp") differ in gall structure and coloration.
Images
Appearance
are small cynipids typical of the . The induced by this are disc-shaped, up to 3 mm in diameter, pale in color with red streaking.
Habitat
Oak-dominated , particularly those containing oaks (Quercus sect. Quercus) and their hybrids.
Distribution
Documented on the Pacific coast of North America, specifically in Oregon and California.
Seasonality
females emerge in April.
Host Associations
- Quercus - inducerwide selection of oak , especially oaks and including hybrids
Behavior
Induces formation on oak tissue. The specific mechanism and whether the is unisexual or sexual () is not documented in available sources.
Ecological Role
As a inducer, modifies oak tissue, creating specialized microhabitats that may support and within the gall .
Similar Taxa
- Feron gigasProduces superficially similar , but F. gigas galls are larger in size
- Andricus viscidusProduces superficially similar , but distinguished by viscid (sticky) gall surface
- "plate gall wasp"Newly identified with superficially similar , distinguished by gall structure (informal name used by Ronald Russo)
- "orange-cap gall wasp"Newly identified with superficially similar , distinguished by coloration (informal name used by Ronald Russo)
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Andricus parmula by Bassett in 1900; subsequently transferred to Feron.
Gall morphology
The disc-shaped, pale with red streaking are distinctive enough to allow field identification, though microscopic examination may be necessary to confirm identity.