Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp
ExploreInsects
Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp
Amphibolips quercuspomiformis
The Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp is a tiny insect that creates round galls on oak trees. These galls look like little apples and are homes for the wasp's babies!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp is a tiny, dark-bodied insect, typically black or dark brown, with delicate, translucent wings. It has a compact, somewhat rounded body shape and short antennae. Its subtle appearance often resembles a small ant or fly.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCynipidaeGenusAmphibolips
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Hundreds of these strange galls can sometimes grow on a single live oak tree at once!
Sometimes, other insects sneak into the gall to eat the wasp larvae or share their home!
The 'apple' galls are not fruit at all, but the tree's amazing reaction to the tiny wasp!
Tiny wasps spend most of their life eating and growing hidden inside the tree's gall!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp can cleverly trick oak trees into growing a protective 'apple' home for its young using special chemicals.
Ability
Secret Hatching
Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp larvae can develop safely hidden inside the oak tree's gall, protected from hungry predators.
Ability
Mate-Free Miracles
Some Live Oak Apple Gall Wasps can lay eggs that develop into new wasps without needing a male, a special type of reproduction.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-8 mm
- Size
- 2-4 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult wasps drink nectar, while larvae eat oak tree tissues inside their protective galls.
Age differences: Larvae eat oak gall tissue, while adults drink nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- oak tree tissues
- nectar
- plant sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Southern Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
for growing its protective larval galls.
depends on
California Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
as a host tree for gall induction.
parasitizes
Gall Wasp Parasitoid
Ormyrus distinctus
its larvae feed on the gall wasp larvae inside the gall.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
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.
Parasitic
This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's safe to look at the galls, but don't eat them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp's wingspan?
4-8 mm
How big is Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp?
2-4 mm
How long does Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp live?
7-14 days
What does Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp eat?
Adult wasps drink nectar, while larvae eat oak tree tissues inside their protective galls.
Where is Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp usually found?
Forests
How does Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Live Oak Apple Gall Wasp have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
