Three Oak Galls or Apple Galls in Varying Stages of Decomposition cover photo - 265424637

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Photo title: Three Oak Galls or Apple Galls in Varying Stages of Decomposition
Author: Lindalombardo

Cover photo description:
Galls are abnormal plant growths caused by insects, mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses. They usually form during the accelerated growth period of new leaves, shoots and flowers in late spring. In this photo, you can see the brown leaf still attached to its branch and some of the leaf's veins. These 3 are called Oak galls and were larger than a golf ball but smaller than a tennis ball. They are caused by a parasitic wasp, perhaps Amphibolips confluenta. After an egg has been laid in a leaf secretes a substance that causes the leaf to grow as a round papery fibrous home for the larva. The larva feeds on the inside of the gall and emerges upon maturing into an adult wasp. The wasps have definitely vacated the second two galls. The first on the left has a tiny hole but is otherwise intact.

branch leaf plant produce tree flower nature food autumn wildlife twig fruit blossom wood winter animal three oak galls apple varying stages decomposition abnormal growths caused insects mites nematodes fungi bacteria viruses form accelerated growth leaves shoots late brown still attached leaf s veins gall size golf ball parasitic wasp amphibolips confluenta egg laid secretes substance grow round papery home larva feeds inside emerges maturing adult larger smaller tennis fiberous fibrous wasps vacated tiny hole viruses veins ball confluenta larva wasp galls intact