The succulent oak gall on pin oak in Kansas is caused by:

The succulent oak gall on pin oak in Kansas is caused by:

• A. A tiny wasp
• B. A fungus
• C. A moth
• D. A mite

Answer: (A)

Galls on pin oaks, including the succulent oak gall, are produced when a tiny wasp lays eggs in the developing oak tissue. The wasp larva releases signals that hijack the tree’s cells, causing the surrounding tissue to swell into a fleshy gall that feeds and protects the larva as it grows. This is a hallmark of gall-forming wasps, which are common on oaks. Fungi, moths, and mites don’t create this kind of succulent oak gall on pin oaks, so they aren’t the cause. The gall remains on the tree until the adult wasp chews its way out, continuing the life cycle.

Galls on pin oaks, including the succulent oak gall, are produced when a tiny wasp lays eggs in the developing oak tissue. The wasp larva releases signals that hijack the tree’s cells, causing the surrounding tissue to swell into a fleshy gall that feeds and protects the larva as it grows. This is a hallmark of gall-forming wasps, which are common on oaks. Fungi, moths, and mites don’t create this kind of succulent oak gall on pin oaks, so they aren’t the cause. The gall remains on the tree until the adult wasp chews its way out, continuing the life cycle.