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Silk button gall

Silk button gall

Neuroterus numismalis

A species of Neuroterus, Also known as Blister gall

The satin button-billed wasp (Neuroterus numismalis) is a fleece-winged insect from the family of the real bile wasps (Cynipidae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1785 by Fourcroy.

General Info About Silk button gall
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Attributes of Silk button gall
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
oak
Adult Food Sources
Plant sap, nectar from flowers, honeydew from aphids
Larva Food Source
Oak leaf tissue, plant cells of the gall interior
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Silk button gall is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Silk button gall can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Silk button gall feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Silk button gall
It is found in Britain.
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Distribution Area of Silk button gall
North Atlantic
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Appearance of Silk button gall
Galls This silk button spangle gall has a cover of golden hairs that give the impression of silk thread. The 0.3 cm button-shaped galls have a pronounced concavity and sit tightly against the leaf lamina.
Blister galls are about 0.3 cm in diameter and green or greyish in colour; well camouflaged with the leaf lamina. The gall has narrow ridges running downwards on all sides from a central papilla on the upper surface and sometimes on the lower surface as well. Both galls are both unilocular and unilarval.
Gall wasp The female wasp of the bisexual generation is about 1.8–2.4 mm in length; largely brown in colour with clear wings and hairy legs. The male is also winged and slightly shorter than the female.
The agamic generation consists of only female wasps which measure approximately 2.5 mm in length. The pointed head is black, with pale brown eyes and long clear wings are present with dark brown veins and hairs.
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Life Cycle of Silk button gall
Egg The egg stage is a dormant period for the silk button gall. It is encased in a protective shell and through embryonic development, forms the basic structure for the next stage.
Larva In the larval stage, the silk button gall appears worm-like, focused on consuming food to support rapid growth. It molts several times, increasing in size with each stage.
Pupal The pupal stage is a transformation phase where the silk button gall is inactive and encased in a pupa. Internally, it is undergoing significant changes, reshaping into its adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult silk button gall’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Silk button gall
1.8 - 2.5 mm
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Predators of Silk button gall Larvae
Birds, jumping spiders, rodents, predatory insects
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Predators of Adult Silk button gall
Birds, rodents, spiders, insectivorous insects
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Interesting Facts About Silk button gall
Silk button gall can manipulate plant tissue to create intricate homes, a phenomenon called gall formation, integral for its unique life cycle.
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Scientific Classification of Silk button gall
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Silk button gall
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Youth Habitat of Silk button gall
Forests and Woodlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Silk button gall
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Silk button gall Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of silk button gall are typically found inside oak galls on various species of oak trees, which serve as both food and shelter. As the insect matures, the galls can be located by examining the undersides of oak leaves, where they prefer to form. Searching for adults requires visiting the oak trees during their flight season, which is when they emerge to mate and lay eggs. The precise seasonal timing for adult activity can vary depending on location and climate, but generally, this takes place in the spring or fall when oak trees are present. To find their eggs, one should inspect the nooks and crannies of oak bark, as females lay them in sheltered spots.
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Harmful Effects of Silk button gall
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Forestry Pest

Silk button gall induces gall formation on oak leaves during its larval stage. While a few galls are generally harmless, a heavy infestation can lead to significant leaf damage, impairing photosynthesis and potentially causing defoliation. This may weaken trees and impact timber quality, affecting forestry economics.

More Effects of Silk button gall

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