Facultative-mutualism

Guides

• Disholcaspis eldoradensis

  Honeydew Gall Wasp

  Disholcaspis eldoradensis is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces distinctive galls on valley oak (Quercus lobata). The species is notable for producing sucrose-secreting galls that attract ant mutualists, particularly invasive Argentine ants, which defend the galls against parasitoids. This mutualism creates a complex trophic community involving multiple ant species, parasitoids, and other associated insects. The species exhibits variable ecological outcomes depending on local conditions, with ant defense benefits varying across years and gall characteristics influencing parasitism rates.

  gall-waspCynipidaeoak-gallant-mutualismsucrose-secretionmultitrophic-interactionsQuercus-lobatainvasive-antsparasitoid-communityfacultative-mutualism