Andricus corruptrix explained

Andricus corruptrix is a species of gall-forming wasp, in the genus Andricus. It is found in Europe.

Life cycle

Adults lay their eggs on the buds of various species of oak, including common oak (Quercus robur), sessile oak (Q. petraea), downy oak (Q. pubescens), Algerian oak (Q. canariensis), chestnut oak (Q. montana) and Turkey oak (Q. cerris).[1]

The galls of the asexual generation are up to 5 mm across, hard and woody and have one to five smooth rounded lobes. They first appear in late summer but do not mature until the following July when the adults insect emerge. Females lay their eggs on the buds of Turkey oak and the galls develop during late winter. This is the gall of the sexual generation which is pale green at first, thin-walled and as they mature, they become tinged with pink and later turn orange-brown. Mature sexual galls are about 2.5 mm long, egg-shaped with a pointed tip and can resemble the mature galls of Andricus kollari.[1] [2] [3]

Distribution

The gall is found in Europe from Ireland to the Ukraine excluding Scandinavia and the Iberian Peninsula.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ellis . W N . Andricus corruptrix (von Schlechtendal, 1870) . Plant Parasites of Europe . 25 November 2019.
  2. Book: Chinery . Michael . Michael Chinery . Britain's Plant Galls . 2011 . WildGuides Ltd . Old Basing, Hampshire . 978-190365743-0 . 14.
  3. Book: Redfern . Margaret . Shirley . Peter . Boxham . Michael . British Plant Galls . 2011 . Field Study Council . Shrewsbury . 978-185153-284-1. 231–260 . Second.
  4. Web site: Andricus corruptrix (Schlechtendal, 1870) . PESI portal . 25 November 2019.