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Spined Turban Gall Wasp
ExploreInsects
Spined Turban Gall Wasp
Antron douglasii
The Spined Turban Gall Wasp is a tiny insect that creates special round galls on plants. These galls look like little bumps and are homes for the wasp's babies. They are interesting to find and help show how nature works!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Spined Turban Gall Wasp is a tiny insect, typically dark brown to black, with clear, membranous wings and a somewhat shiny body. Its small size, often just a few millimeters long, makes it easily overlooked among foliage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCynipidaeGenusCynips
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
No males are needed; female Spined Turban Gall Wasps lay eggs alone!
Some wasps can stay hidden inside their galls for over a year!
The 'turban' galls it makes are actually part of the oak tree itself!
The gall provides the wasp larva with both food and a cozy, safe house!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Spined Turban Gall Wasp can trigger specific plant growth because its larvae release chemical signals, creating a protective 'turban' home.
Ability
Plant Manipulator
Spined Turban Gall Wasp has the ability to reprogram oak cells that helps them create unique food and shelter for their young.
Ability
Tiny Survivor
Spined Turban Gall Wasp can hide its developing young inside plant galls because this structure shields them from predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-8 mm
- Size
- 2-4 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As larvae, they eat the plant tissue of their gall home.
Age differences: Larvae consume plant tissue; adults may sip nectar or water.
Primary Foods
- oak gall tissue
- plant sap
- plant proteins
Ecological connections
depends on
Blue Oak
Quercus douglasii
as the host plant for its galls
parasitizes
Gall Wasp Parasitoid
Torymus advenus
its larvae inside the galls
eats
Bushtit
Psaltriparus minimus
wasp larvae found within galls
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
These wasps are not harmful, but it's best to look at them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spined Turban Gall Wasp's wingspan?
4-8 mm
How big is Spined Turban Gall Wasp?
2-4 mm
How long does Spined Turban Gall Wasp live?
7-14 days
How fast can Spined Turban Gall Wasp fly?
5 km/h
What does Spined Turban Gall Wasp eat?
As larvae, they eat the plant tissue of their gall home.
Where is Spined Turban Gall Wasp usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Spined Turban Gall Wasp have?
6
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