oak-spangle gall

views updated May 18 2018

oak-spangle gall A generic name for the unisexual stage galls found on the leaves of Quercus robur and produced by 4 species of wasps of the genus Neuroterus. The eggs laid by mated females give rise to generally small (1 mm diameter), flat, red galls. Gall densities may be high but competition seems to be avoided by niche separation within a single leaf and host tree, some species preferring leaf margins or apices, others the peripheral foliage. The galls overwinter in the leaf litter, often having become detached from the leaves.

oak-spangle gall

views updated May 17 2018

oak-spangle gall A generic name for the unisexual stage galls found on the leaves of Quercus robur and produced by four species of wasps of the genus Neuroterus. The eggs laid by mated females give rise to generally small (1 mm diameter), flat, red galls. Gall densities may be high but competition seems to be avoided by niche separation within a single leaf and host tree, some species preferring leaf margins or apices, others the peripheral foliage. The galls overwinter in the leaf litter, often having become detached from the leaves.

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oak-spangle gall

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