Ground-dwelling-gall
Guides
Neuroterus saltarius
Jumping Gall Wasp
Neuroterus saltarius is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, commonly known as the jumping gall wasp. It induces distinctive leaf galls on oak trees that detach from the plant and fall to the ground. The developing larva inside the fallen gall can cause the gall to jump when it moves, a unique behavioral trait that gives the species its common name. This species is part of the diverse Neuroterus genus, which contains many oak-associated gall wasps with complex life cycles.