Gall of Cynipid Wasp

Description:

This is a gall formed by a wasp in the Genus Amphibolips in the family Cynipidae (Gall Wasps). Note that the insect at the edge of the gall is NOT the wasp, but likely some type of midge. The gall was the color of a lime, and oblong (~ 2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter). It was located about two feet off the ground. Galls or cecidia are outgrowths on the surface of lifeforms. Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues and can be caused by various parasites, from fungi and bacteria, to insects and mites. Plant galls are often highly organized structures and because of this the cause of the gall can often be determined without the actual agent being identified. This applies particularly to some insect and mite plant galls.

Habitat:

Found in a mixed hardwoood-pine forest at the Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve near Clarks Hill (McCormick County), SC.

Notes:

I'd like to "Thank" Eric Eaton and Charley Eiseman for their ID assistance with this spotting and many others. This spotting was identified on the Facebook Insect Group of the World.