Andricus quercuscalicis

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Andricus quercuscalicis Quercus robur 02

Andricus quercuscalicis is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. This species is known for inducing the formation of distinctive galls on oak trees, particularly on the acorns of certain oak species.

Description

The adult Andricus quercuscalicis is a small wasp, typically measuring around 2-3 mm in length. The body is generally dark brown to black, with a shiny exoskeleton. The wings are transparent with a slight iridescence.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Andricus quercuscalicis involves two distinct generations per year, each producing different types of galls. The sexual generation emerges in the spring and lays eggs in the developing buds of oak trees. The resulting galls, known as "knopper galls," form on the acorns and can significantly deform them. The asexual generation emerges in the autumn and lays eggs in the leaf buds, leading to the formation of small, inconspicuous galls on the leaves.

Host Plants

Andricus quercuscalicis primarily targets oak species, including Quercus robur (English oak) and Quercus petraea (sessile oak). The galls are most commonly found on the acorns of these trees.

Distribution

This species is native to Europe but has spread to other regions, including parts of North America. It is commonly found in woodlands, parks, and gardens where oak trees are present.

Ecological Impact

The galls induced by Andricus quercuscalicis can have various ecological impacts. While the galls themselves do not typically kill the host tree, they can reduce the reproductive success of the tree by deforming the acorns. This can have a cascading effect on the local ecosystem, as many animals rely on acorns as a food source.

Control and Management

There are currently no widespread control measures for Andricus quercuscalicis. Management practices typically focus on maintaining the health of the oak trees to mitigate the impact of gall formation. In some cases, biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators or parasitoids, have been explored.

See Also

• Gall wasp
• Cynipidae
• Oak
• Quercus robur
• Quercus petraea