Jul 23, 2017
Oak artichoke gall (Andricus foecundatrix). This gall is chemically induced by wasp eggs laid in buds of pedunculate and sessile oak, particularly scrub specimens. Once grown this structure is often invaded by inquiline species (those that live in the nests of other species) that are harmless to the developing wasp larvae, benefitting from the galls' protection and starch concentration. Ripley, 19/07/17 #gall #andricus #andricusfoecundatrix #cynipidae #parasite #artichokegall #oak #wasp #gallwasp #oakgall #surreywildlife (at Ripley, Surrey)