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Two-horned Gall Wasp

Dryocosmus dubiosus

The Two-horned Gall Wasp is a tiny insect that makes little bumps, called galls, on oak trees. These galls are like cozy homes for the wasp's babies, where they grow and develop.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Two-horned Gall Wasp is a tiny, dark brown to black insect, typically 1-3mm long. It has two prominent, thorn-like projections on its back, giving it a distinctive horned appearance. Its wings are clear and veined.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCynipidaeGenusDryocosmus
Two-horned Gall Wasp
solitary trait badgehorned trait badgeherbivorous trait badgesymbiotic trait badge
Two-horned Gall Wasp

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A gall wasp's sting cannot hurt humans or pets!

Many galls are like tiny, living sculptures on plants!

Some gall wasps have two different forms in their life cycle!

They trick oak trees into growing special homes for their babies!

Special abilities

Ability

Gall Architect

Two-horned Gall Wasp can create intricate galls on oak leaves by laying eggs that reprogram plant growth.

Ability

Hormone Hacker

Two-horned Gall Wasp can inject powerful plant hormones into oak leaves, compelling the tree to grow a unique home.

Ability

Clone Creator

Two-horned Gall Wasp can reproduce without a mate through parthenogenesis, allowing all-female generations to emerge.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
3-6 mm
Size
1-3 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink nectar, while their larvae eat the tissues inside plant galls.

Age differences: Larvae consume gall tissue; adults primarily feed on nectar and tree sap.

Primary Foods

  • Oak gall tissue
  • Flower nectar
  • Tree sap

Foraging Method

  • Null

Ecological connections

depends on

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Larvae develop within galls formed on its leaves.

depends on

Black Oak

Quercus velutina

Another host tree for the wasp larvae and galls.

parasitizes

Oak Gall Wasp Parasitoid

Ormyrus distinctus

Its larvae develop inside the gall wasp larvae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Galls are safe to touch, but be gentle with trees and insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Two-horned Gall Wasp's wingspan?

3-6 mm

How big is Two-horned Gall Wasp?

1-3 mm

How long does Two-horned Gall Wasp live?

7-14 days

What does Two-horned Gall Wasp eat?

Adults drink nectar, while their larvae eat the tissues inside plant galls.

Where is Two-horned Gall Wasp usually found?

Forests

How does Two-horned Gall Wasp hunt?

Null

How many legs does Two-horned Gall Wasp have?

6

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