Willow Apple Gall Sawfly
ExploreInsects
Willow Apple Gall Sawfly
euura californica
The Willow Apple Gall Sawfly is a tiny insect that creates cool, round galls on willow trees! These galls are like little homes for the larvae, making the tree look like it's wearing funny hats.
Habitat: Willow trees, often found near water sources.
Appearance
The Willow Apple Gall Sawfly is a small, dark, wasp-like insect with clear wings. While the sawfly itself is unassuming, it creates striking, spherical galls on willow leaves, which are typically red or green and resemble tiny apples.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyTenthredinidaeGenusEuura
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It uses a saw-like tool to cut into leaves to lay its tiny eggs.
Sawflies are actually closer relatives to wasps and bees, not flies!
The gall changes the willow leaf's growth to make a perfect home.
Those "apples" on willows are not fruit, but a sawfly's amazing nursery!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Willow Apple Gall Sawfly can chemically induce a spherical "apple" gall on willow leaves because of its egg-laying process, providing a protective home and food for its larvae.
Ability
Plant Manipulator
Willow Apple Gall Sawfly has the ability to reprogram plant growth because its eggs release chemicals that force willow leaves to create a nutritious, protective chamber around its developing young.
Ability
Saw-Blade Ovipositor
Willow Apple Gall Sawfly has a saw-like egg-laying tool that helps them slice into willow leaves to deposit eggs, initiating the formation of the distinctive apple gall.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 6-10 mm
- Size
- 3-5 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed exclusively on inner willow leaf tissues inside their protective galls; adults rarely feed or sip nectar.
Age differences: Larvae consume plant tissue within galls; adults may feed on nectar or not at all.
Primary Foods
- Willow leaves
- Willow plant tissue
- Nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
.jpg&width=800)
Arroyo Willow
Salix lasiolepis
lays eggs and larvae feed on its leaves
parasitizes
Gall Parasitic Wasp
Pteromalus pontaniae
lays eggs inside the sawfly larvae within the gall
eaten by
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
birds may open galls to eat larvae
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Apple Gall SawflyWillow Gall FlyWillow Gall Wasp
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willow Apple Gall Sawfly's wingspan?
6-10 mm
How big is Willow Apple Gall Sawfly?
3-5 mm
How long does Willow Apple Gall Sawfly live?
7-14 days
What does Willow Apple Gall Sawfly eat?
Larvae feed exclusively on inner willow leaf tissues inside their protective galls; adults rarely feed or sip nectar.
Where is Willow Apple Gall Sawfly usually found?
Willow trees, often found near water sources.
How does Willow Apple Gall Sawfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Willow Apple Gall Sawfly 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.
05(js).jpg&width=800)
_ab._caeruleopunctata.jpg&width=800)
_Caterpillar_(7571203452).jpg&width=800)
