Amphibolips nubilipennis | |
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The translucent oak gall, induced by the sexual generation of Amphibolips nubilipennis. | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hymenoptera |
Family: | Cynipidae |
Genus: | Amphibolips |
Species: | A. nubilipennis
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Binomial name | |
Amphibolips nubilipennis Harris, 1841
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Amphibolips nubilipennis, known generally as the translucent oak gall wasp, is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Its range includes Ontario, Quebec, and much of the eastern United States.[1][2] Hosts include Quercus buckleyi, Quercus coccinea, Quercus falcata, Quercus ilicifolia, Quercus imbricaria, Quercus marilandica, Quercus rubra, and Quercus velutina.[3]
The translucent oak gall is induced by the sexual generation of Amphibolips nubilipennis.[3] This gall is succulent and accumulates high concentration of malic acid causing a low pH of gall tissues. The extreme acidity of the translucent oak gall tissues has been proposed to represent a defensive strategy against parasitoid wasps.[4]