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Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp

Callirhytis quercusbatatoides

The Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp is a tiny insect that makes special bumps called galls on oak trees. These galls provide a safe home for the wasp's babies as they grow.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp is a tiny, dark-bodied insect, typically black or brownish-black with a shiny exoskeleton. Its slender antennae and delicate, clear wings contrast with its stout, rounded abdomen, which can sometimes have reddish tints.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCynipidaeGenusCallirhytis
Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp
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Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each gall is a custom-built nursery, offering food and protection for one larva.

The bumpy homes on the tree are made by baby wasps controlling the oak tree!

These tiny wasps are super picky, only choosing Southern Live Oak trees!

They only hatch from eggs laid inside the tree's growing twigs or leaves.

Special abilities

Ability

Plant Manipulation

Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp can make oak trees grow specific shapes that provide food and shelter for its young.

Ability

Dual Reproduction

Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp can reproduce sexually or asexually because of its unique life cycle strategy.

Ability

Targeted Laying

Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp can only lay eggs in specific parts of the Southern Live Oak tree.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
4-8 mm
Size
2-4 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults may sip nectar, but the larvae munch on the oak tree's gall tissue from inside their homes.

Age differences: Larvae consume gall tissue, while adults typically do not feed or sip nectar for energy.

Primary Foods

  • Gall tissue
  • Nectar
  • Honeydew

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to look at galls from a distance and not touch them, as they are homes for tiny insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp's wingspan?

4-8 mm

How big is Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp?

2-4 mm

How long does Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp live?

7-21 days

What does Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp eat?

Adults may sip nectar, but the larvae munch on the oak tree's gall tissue from inside their homes.

Where is Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp usually found?

Forests

How many legs does Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp have?

6

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