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Kernel Flower Gall Wasp (Callirhytis serricornis)

The kernel flower gall wasp (Callirhytis serricornis) induces galls which form on the catkins (flower clusters) of coast and interior live oaks in the spring. The summer-fall generation galls are tiny, bulbous wonders which form along the midrib vein of the lower leaf surface.


Kernel flower gall wasp (Callirhytis serricornis), summer-generation gall on interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni). Note the gall on the left just beginning to emerge from the midrib leaf vein. Photographed at ~2.7x lifesize and focus-stacked for increased depth of field. Vacaville Open Space Preserve, Solano County, California, USA.
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Kernel flower gall wasp (Callirhytis serricornis), individual gall on interior live oak. Photographed at ~3.3x lifesize and focus-stacked for increased depth of field. Vacaville Open Space Preserve, Solano County, California, USA.
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Kernel flower gall wasp (Callirhytis serricornis), summer-generation gall on interior live oak. Note the exit hole on this older specimen; with a little imagination, this gall could pass for the world's smallest clay chimenea. ;) Focus-stacked for increased depth of field. Lake Berryessa, Napa County, California, USA.
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Kernel flower gall wasp (Callirhytis serricornis), gall shown with a standard pencil tip for scale. Lake Berryessa, Napa County, California, USA.
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Next Gall: Live oak gallfly (Amphibolips quercuspomiformis)



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All images copyright Timothy Boomer. All rights reserved worldwide.