Xanthoteras clavuloides
Xanthoteras clavuloides, also known as the club gall wasp, is a species of gall-inducing wasp. It is native to California, where it induces galls on the leaves of valley oak.[1] DescriptionThe club gall wasp is named for the hairy, green, club-shaped galls induced by its larvae.[1] The characteristic bulge in the gall is due to the larval chamber.[2] The galls begin developing in August on the underside of leaves, and are fully formed by September when they stand up to 8 mm high.[3] Female adults from the asexual generation emerge in the spring.[1] The adult female is described as having a brown thorax, yellowish brown legs, black eyes, and translucent wings with brown, heavily marked veins.[2] TaxonomyOnly the asexual generation is known, and was first described in 1911 by William Beutenmuller under the name Dryophanta clavula.[2] In 1979, Burks recognized this species under Xanthoteras, and in 2002, it was transferred again to the genus Atrusca.[4] However, by the presence of a malar sulcus, or groove on the cheek of the adult female, the organism was distinguished from Atrusca and transferred back to Xanthoteras in 2025.[4] References
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