Got Galls?

Phylloteras poculum, no common name, is a tiny gall wasp. They lay their eggs on a white oak leaf, and the tree responds by building this structure, which envelops the egg. The larva inside is protected from the elements, including, to a certain extent, predators, and has plant material to eat in there.

Every species of gall wasps, and there are hundreds, induces a unique gall structure on their host oaks.
Shriveled up ones on a fallen leaf.

2 Responses to “Got Galls?”


  1. 1 Chuck McAlexander August 20, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    At first glance it looks like the plant is trying to attract something which will eat the wasp egg or larva. It’s as beautiful as a flower. I wonder if any bug takes advantage of this packaged food. Ants, maybe?


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