A specialized gall-inducing wasp species that creates distinctive growths on oak trees, primarily in Europe, through complex interactions with host plant tissues.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deciduous oak forests across Europe, particularly regions with Quercus species, predominantly in temperate climate zones between 40-55° latitude
Ecological Role
Critical component of oak forest ecosystems, facilitating complex plant-insect interactions, nutrient cycling, and serving as food source for predatory insects and birds
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth chitin exoskeleton, often brown or dark amber coloration
LIMBS WINGSTwo pairs of membranous wings, six legs with specialized tarsal segments
HEAD SENSORYCompound eyes, short antennae, specialized mandibles for gall induction
BODY STRUCTURESmall wasp, typically 2-4 mm in length, with compact exoskeleton and segmented body
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Rosser1954 Roger Griffith
