The Secondary Chemistry and Complex Morphology of Galls Formed by the Cynipinae (Hymenoptera): Why and How?

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Oak galls formed by cynipine wasps are extremely complex and diverse structurally, histologically and chemically. Evidence suggests that the need for enemy-free space provides the major selective force molding this rich diversity, which in turn allows many species to co-occur locally in spite of highly successful attacks by natural enemies. The Cynipinae probably form mutualisms with virus or virus-like particles which work in concert with larval salivary secretions to produce galls. This ecological alliance may have engendered the adaptive shift to gall-forming from the seed-eating habit of secondarily phytophagous Hymenoptera. The role of mutualism as a driving force in evolutionary innovation may be considerable.