Disholcaspis mellifica
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Disholcaspis mellifica
Disholcaspis mellifica
Disholcaspis mellifica is a tiny insect that lives on oak trees. It makes galls, which are like little homes for itself, on the leaves. These galls can look like small bumps or balls on the leaves.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Disholcaspis mellifica is a tiny, dark-bodied wasp, typically black or dark brown, with delicate, transparent wings. Its small, compact form and relatively short antennae distinguish it from larger, more brightly colored wasps.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCynipidaeGenusDisholcaspis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Galls made by this wasp can sometimes be mistaken for berries!
Some galls contain many wasps, like tiny apartment buildings!
The wasp larvae live safely inside their self-made plant homes.
These tiny wasps are incredible master manipulators of plants.
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Disholcaspis mellifica can induce the growth of complex galls on oak trees because their larvae release chemicals that manipulate plant tissue.
Ability
Generational Shapeshifter
Disholcaspis mellifica can switch between sexual and asexual reproduction to adapt quickly to environmental changes.
Ability
Living Fortification
Disholcaspis mellifica has larvae that develop exclusively within a protective oak gall that provides food and shelter.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 3-8 mm
- Size
- 2-5 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 3 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on plant sugars, while larvae eat nutrient-rich oak gall tissue.
Age differences: Adults consume nectar and honeydew; larvae feed exclusively on the internal tissues of the oak gall.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Honeydew
- Oak Gall Tissue
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
California Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
for inducing galls that provide larval food and shelter.
eaten by
California Oak Gall Parasitoid Wasp
Torymus californicus
its larvae are parasitized by this wasp inside the galls.
eaten by
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Dryobates nuttallii
woodpeckers may forage on galls, consuming larvae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disholcaspis mellifica's wingspan?
3-8 mm
How big is Disholcaspis mellifica?
2-5 mm
How long does Disholcaspis mellifica live?
14-30 days
How fast can Disholcaspis mellifica fly?
3 km/h
What does Disholcaspis mellifica eat?
Adults feed on plant sugars, while larvae eat nutrient-rich oak gall tissue.
Where is Disholcaspis mellifica usually found?
Forests
How does Disholcaspis mellifica hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Disholcaspis mellifica have?
6
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