Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp – Disholcaspis quercusmamma

Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp (Disholcaspis quercusmamma)

Latin Name: Disholcaspis quercusmamma

Common Name: Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp / “rough bullet gall.”

Appearance:

• The galls formed by many species in the Disholcaspis genus are called “bullet galls” due to their size and shape. Galls produced by Disholcaspis quercusmamma are similar to those produced by Disholcaspis quercusglobulus but have a velvety surface and a pointed apex (“nipple”).
• Rough bullet gall wasps generate a woody, typically spherical gall on a bur oak. The galls are brown at first and have a small tip. On the other hand, the galls leak honeydew, which coats the gall and encourages the formation of sooty molds, which discolour older galls.
• Larvae are pale-colored, legless grubs that grow in a chamber at the gall’s core.
• Adults are dark brown wasps with around abdomen and a stubby body.

Hosts plants:

White oaks, such as bur oak, swamp white oak, and overcup oak, are the host plants.

Territory:

Most places where its host (Quercus macrocarpa, bur oak) has been planted are likely to have it. The host plant is native to the midwestern United States.

Damage insect caused by Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasps:

Rough bullet gall wasps, also known as Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasps, develop a woody, typically spherical gall with a small tip on a bur oak. Infestations that completely cover twigs might occur, slowing the tree’s growth pace. The galls can be rather noticeable once the leaves have fallen off. The galls also produce a delicious honeydew-like substance that attracts bees and wasps and encourages the growth of sooty molds.

Description about Gall marker:

Gall-making insects aren’t usually considered pests, and some galls are even decorative, being utilized in flower arrangements and other crafts. Most gall-making insects do not harm the host plant; but, certain species can cause aesthetic damage to the expensive nursery or landscaping plants, such as leaf discoloration, early defoliation, or twig and stem loss. Pecan output can be reduced by heavy infestations of the pecan stem phylloxera.

Life History and Habits:

Rough bulletgall wasps generate a woody, normally rounded gallon a bur oak. The galls are brown and have a tiny point to them. On the other hand, the galls release honeydew, which coats the gall and causes sooty molds to proliferate, darkening older galls.

Larvae are legless, pale-colored grubs that grow in a chamber in the gall’s heart. Adults have a round abdomen and a stubby body. They emerge from the gall and oviposit in the dormant buds in late October/early November.