Rosette-gall
Guides
Andricus quercusfrondosus
Oak Rosette Gall Wasp
Andricus quercusfrondosus is a cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive rosette-shaped galls on the leaves of oak trees. As a member of the highly diverse genus Andricus, this species exemplifies the intimate host-plant specialization characteristic of gall-forming wasps. The galls provide shelter and food for the developing larva, which manipulates plant growth hormones to create this specialized structure. Like many Cynipidae, this species has a complex life cycle often involving alternation between sexual and asexual generations on different host tissues or related oak species.
Rabdophaga rosacea
rose rosette gall midge, rose rosette midge
Rabdophaga rosacea is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive rosette galls on native roses (Rosa spp.). The species was first described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1908 from specimens collected in Manitoba, Canada. The galls form on terminal buds, creating tightly packed leafy rosettes with a central cavity that houses the developing midge larvae. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'rod-eater', while the specific epithet refers to its rose hosts. A 2014 taxonomic proposal suggested transferring this species to the broadly defined genus Dasineura, though both genera remain within the tribe Dasineurini.
Rabdophaga salicisbrassicoides
willow rosette gall midge, willow cabbage gall midge
Rabdophaga salicisbrassicoides is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces rosette or cabbage-like galls on willow species. Its larvae develop within these galls and overwinter inside them. The species has been observed in association with mutualistic interactions involving Formica neoclara ants and Chaitophorus aphids on its host plant Salix exigua.