Phylloteras volutellae
conical oak gall wasp
Phylloteras volutellae is a to North America that induces distinctive conical on the leaves of oaks (Quercus section Quercus). The is best known for the detachable, clustered galls formed on leaf undersides, each housing a single . emerge in early January, though adult remains undescribed.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phylloteras volutellae: /ˌfɪloʊˈtɛrəs ˌvoʊluˈtɛlaɪ/
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Identification
Identified by the conical, detachable formed on the undersides of oak leaves, often appearing in clusters. Each gall is concave at the top and contains a single . Galls are -specific to this . wasps are undescribed; identification relies on gall and association.
Images
Habitat
Associated with oak including bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). develop on living leaf tissue.
Distribution
North America.
Seasonality
emerge from in early January. Gall formation timing on leaves not specified in sources.
Diet
develop within tissue of oak leaves; specific feeding mechanism not described. diet unknown.
Host Associations
- Quercus macrocarpa - bur oak
- Quercus bicolor - swamp oak
Life Cycle
Induces on oak leaves; each gall contains a single . emerge from galls in early January. Details of -laying, larval development duration, and not described.
Ecological Role
inducer on oaks. Galls are inhabited by including Synergus walshii (), which may represent commensal or parasitic relationships.
Similar Taxa
- Other Phylloteras speciesAlso induce on oak leaves; distinguished by gall (conical shape with concave top) and to oaks.
- Other Cynipini on white oaksMany cynipids form leaf on oaks; P. volutellae distinguished by its specific conical, detachable gall form and clustered arrangement on leaf undersides.
More Details
Inquiline associates
Synergus walshii () has been recorded as an in of this .
Taxonomic notes
remains undescribed in scientific literature; is known primarily from characteristics and .