Neuroterus aliceae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neuroterus aliceae: /ˌnʊə.rəʊˈtɛr.əs æl.iˈkeɪ.iː/

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Summary

Neuroterus aliceae is a newly described species of oak gall wasp that induces distinctive galls on various oak species in the southwestern United States.

Physical Characteristics

Gall formations are brown, fluffy, and consist of an aggregated group of larval chambers that are ≥ 5 mm across. They are covered in a dense, somewhat woolly coat of reddish-brown hairs.

Identification Tips

Look for galls on the midrib on the underside of oak leaves, which resemble similar structures produced by Andricus pattoni.

Habitat

Found primarily in areas where Quercus oblongifolia, Quercus toumeyi, and Quercus turbinella are present.

Distribution

Arizona (AZ), New Mexico (NM).

Diet

Larvae of Neuroterus aliceae feed on the tissues of the galls they induce on oak leaves.

Life Cycle

The species reproduces via alternate sexual and asexual generations, with adults emerging in spring after galls mature in October-November, overwintering in the galls.

Reproduction

Sexual catkin galls mature in April, with adults emerging shortly afterwards. Asexual galls mature in October-November, allowing overwintering of adults within the galls.

Ecosystem Role

As a gall wasp, it plays a role in the life cycle of oak trees by inducing galls that serve as habitats for larvae.

Evolution

Neuroterus is genetically diverse, with recent studies indicating that the genus may be poly- or paraphyletic, suggesting potential reclassification of some species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Neuroterus with other gall-inducing wasps, such as those in the genus Andricus.