Neuroterus aliceae
Melika, Nicholls & Stone, 2021
Neuroterus aliceae is a of gall wasp in the Cynipidae, described in 2021. Like other members of the Neuroterus, this species induces gall formation on oak leaves. The genus Neuroterus is known for creating distinctive leaf galls, including the jumping oak galls where larval movement can cause detached galls to move. This species is part of the diverse radiation of oak-associated cynipid , with over 800 species of oak gall wasps documented in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neuroterus aliceae: /ˌnʊə.rəʊˈtɛr.əs æl.iˈkeɪ.iː/
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Habitat
Associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.), specifically forming galls on oak leaves. The precise oak for N. aliceae has not been documented in available sources.
Diet
The larvae feed on nutritive plant tissues within the gall structure they induce on oak leaves. likely feed on plant fluids or honeydew, as is typical for cynipid wasps, though specific feeding habits for this are unconfirmed.
Host Associations
- Quercus - Gall induction on leavesSpecific oak unconfirmed; -level association inferred from genus Neuroterus
Behavior
Female induce gall formation on oak leaves through oviposition and subsequent chemical secretion by larvae. Development occurs entirely within the gall structure. Whether this produces the characteristic 'jumping' galls seen in related species like N. saltatorius is unknown.
Ecological Role
As a gall-former, this manipulates oak leaf tissue to create protected microhabitats for its larvae. The galls may serve as resources for other organisms, including that attack gall wasp larvae.
Similar Taxa
- Neuroterus saltatoriusAlso forms leaf galls on oaks; distinguished by the jumping of detached galls caused by larval movement, a trait unconfirmed in N. aliceae
- Other Neuroterus speciesAll induce similar leaf galls on oaks; microscopic examination of gall and anatomy required for definitive identification