California Jumping Gall Wasp
Neuroterus saltatorius
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Cynipoidea
- Family: Cynipidae
- Tribe: Cynipini
- Genus: Neuroterus
- Species: saltatorius
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neuroterus saltatorius: /nʊəroʊˈtɛrəs sæltəˈtɔːriəs/
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Summary
Neuroterus saltatorius, known as the California Jumping Gall Wasp, induces unique galls on oak leaves and exhibits notable jumping behavior to aid larval development and protection. It has two generations and typically does not harm its host trees significantly.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are approximately 0.75 millimeters long, brown and/or black with reddish legs. The unisexual generation galls are 1 mm in diameter, while the bisexual generation galls are about 2x1 mm.
Identification Tips
Look for round galls on the underside of oak leaves, particularly during their respective generations: unisexual (late spring) and bisexual (spring).
Habitat
Found on the underside of leaves of various oak species in North America, specifically in habitats where these oaks grow.
Distribution
North America
Diet
The larvae feed within the galls induced on oak leaves.
Life Cycle
The species has two generations: a bisexual generation and a parthenogenetic female generation. The all-female generation's galls appear in late spring, detach, fall to the ground, and larvae emerge the following spring.
Reproduction
Neuroterus saltatorius reproduces through a bisexual generation and a parthenogenetic female generation. The all-female generation lays eggs that induce galls.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as both a herbivore that induces galls on oak trees and a potential source of food for predators, such as birds and other insects.
Economic Impact
The presence of Neuroterus saltatorius does not cause significant damage to their host trees, although high concentrations may harm leaves.
Collecting Methods
- Observational surveys
- Collection of affected leaves
Preservation Methods
- Drying specimens
- Preserving in ethanol
- Mounting on pins or slides
Similar Taxa
- Other species of Neuroterus
- Oak gall wasps
Misconceptions
Some might assume that the jumping galls cause significant harm to oak trees, but they generally do not cause severe damage.
Tags
- Neuroterus saltatorius
- gall wasp
- California
- oak
- jumping behavior