Root-gall
Guides
Belonocnema
Belonocnema is a genus of cynipid gall wasps restricted to the southeastern United States. The genus comprises three recognized species that induce distinct galls on section Virentes oaks, including live oaks. All species exhibit heterogony, with alternating sexual and asexual generations producing morphologically and ecologically different gall types. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with Dryorhizoxenus now synonymized under Belonocnema.
Cleonis
Cleonis is a genus of cylindrical weevils (Curculionidae: Lixinae: Cleonini) comprising at least 120 described species. Members are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form typical of the tribe Cleonini. The genus has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic region, with some species introduced to North America. Detailed biological information is available primarily for Cleonis pigra, which feeds exclusively on Asteraceae and develops within root galls.
Disholcaspis globosa
Globular root gall
A cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive globular galls on oak roots. Like other members of the genus Disholcaspis, it exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction in at least one generation, with females capable of producing offspring without mating. The species is one of approximately twelve described in the genus, all of which appear to have eliminated males from their life cycles. Root galls differ from the more commonly observed twig and leaf galls of related species, occurring below ground where they are rarely encountered unless excavated.
Odontocynips nebulosa
root gall wasp
Odontocynips nebulosa is a cynipid wasp that induces large, woody, subterranean galls on oak roots. Adults are small and rarely observed; the galls are the primary sign of its presence. The species was long misidentified due to confusion with a different gall-former on oak leaves. It has a two-year life cycle and is restricted to the southeastern and central United States.
Trigonaspis radicola
Trigonaspis radicola is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. The species is known for inducing root galls on oak species (Quercus), distinguishing it from many cynipids that form galls on above-ground plant parts. Like other members of the tribe Cynipini, it has a complex life cycle involving alternating sexual and asexual generations, typically associated with different oak host species or plant structures. The species name 'radicola' (meaning 'root-dwelling') reflects its distinctive subterranean gall-forming habit.