Hedgehog Galls

On White Oak/Quercus alba, the distinctive galls of the Hedgehog Gall-maker wasp, Acraspis erinacei, are in full “flower” right now.

These growths are induced in the plant by the tiny wasps to serve as nesting and feeding chambers. Yes, this is oak DNA being manipulated by wasp DNA.

Galls are tough, but they are not foolproof. Other creatures want in, and some succeed. There are parasites of gall wasps, and parasites of those parasites. There are also other species who just want to get inside for the shelter and food.

I’ve been observing these galls’ annual appearance on this oak for probably a decade now.