Living
up to its name, the oak apple gall wasp produces growths, or 'galls',
on oak twigs that look like little apples. Inside the gall, the larvae
of the wasp feed on the host tissues, but cause little damage.
Species information
Category
Galls
Statistics
Diameter of gall: up to 5cmConservation status
Common.
When to see
May to JuneAbout
The oak apple gall wasp, Biorhiza pallida, is a tiny wasp that causes growths, or 'galls', on oak twigs. These galls can be found between May and June where the female has laid her eggs in the leaf bud. Inside the gall, there are a number of chambers, each housing a larva which eats its way out. Adults emerge in June and July.How to identify
The oak apple gall wasp produces a large, rough, buffish-brown, apple-like gall that can be found on oak twigs.Distribution
Widespread.
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