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Plagiotrochus quercusilicis
The females of the cynipidae Plagiotrochus quercusilicis cause red galls on green oaks (Quercus ilex) and kermes (Quercus coccifera). These galls appear in both, leaves and masculine inflorescences or tassels. The gall shape is like a ballon when it is in leaves. However, gall shape in tassels is like a rod, therefore is named variety fusifex. In pics 2 and 3 can be seen another cecidia (galls) in the underside of leaves provoked by minuscule mites (Eriophydae acarines) called Aceria ilicis.
On Holm oak aments. Holm oak forest
Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/60 sec.; f/32; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 90.0 mm. Flash fired
Spotted on Apr 23, 2014
Submitted on May 9, 2014
2 Comments
Thanks Mark. It must be fascinating the galls on that huge variety of eucalipts you have down there!
Great info arlanda. I wish we had as much knowledge on eucalyptus galls here.