Melikaiella fructuosa
Melikaiella fructuosa is a of gall wasp in the Cynipidae, a group known for inducing plant galls. The Melikaiella was established relatively recently and contains species associated with oak galls. This species has been documented through a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported. As with other cynipids, its is intimately tied to specific plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melikaiella fructuosa: //mɛlɪˈkaɪɛlə frʌkˈtuːɔsə//
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Host Associations
- Quercus - gall inducer Melikaiella is associated with oaks; specific for M. fructuosa not confirmed
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Melikaiella was erected in 2007 by Pujade-Villar and colleagues, separating certain oak gall wasps from related genera. The specific epithet 'fructuosa' refers to the fruit-like appearance of the galls produced by some in this group.