Phanacis taraxaci
Ashmead, 1897
dandelion gall wasp
Phanacis taraxaci is a gall-forming cynipid that induces galls on the leaves of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The galls function as physiological sinks, actively redirecting carbon and mineral nutrients from plant tissues. This has been documented in Europe, northern Asia, and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phanacis taraxaci: //fəˈnæ.sɪs tæˈræk.səˌsaɪ//
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Habitat
Associated with common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in environments where this plant occurs
Distribution
Europe and northern Asia (excluding China); North America, including Canada
Host Associations
- Taraxacum officinale - gall inductionCommon dandelion; galls form on leaves
Life Cycle
Gall development includes a growth phase and a maturation phase; active carbon assimilation by the gall is greatest during the growth phase and decreases substantially during maturation
Behavior
Induces gall formation on dandelion leaves; galls act as physiological sinks that redirect carbon resources from unattacked leaves of the plant
Ecological Role
Gall formation modifies plant carbon allocation patterns and alters mineral nutrient distribution within leaf tissues; galls accumulate Mn, Mg, Ca, and ash at higher concentrations than normal leaves, and concentrate Cu, Zn, and Fe above levels in surrounding leaf tissue
Similar Taxa
- Other Phanacis speciesSame ; may induce galls on related Asteraceae
- Other Cynipidae on TaraxacumDifferent gall-forming may attack the same
More Details
Nutrient partitioning patterns
Two distinct patterns of mineral accumulation have been observed: Mn, Mg, Ca, and ash content follow the pattern galled leaf > gall ≥ normal leaf, while Cu, Zn, and Fe follow gall > galled leaf ≥ normal leaf
Carbon sink dynamics
During the growth phase, galls accumulate 9% to 70% of total carbon produced by the plant, with the drain increasing with gall number and size