The influence of host density and gall shape on the survivorship of Diastrophus kincaidii Gill. (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Parasite frequency has been examined in multilocular galls of the cynipid wasp, Diastrophus kincaidii. Large, round galls with many cynipid larvae show lower parasite frequency than small, or narrow galls with few larvae. The arrangement of the larvae within the galls may provide protection from parasite attack. The interiormost larvae are infrequently parasitized and the surrounding host larvae may serve as a screen between the interiormost larvae and parasites. Diastrophus kincaidii adults have behavioural and anatomical traits which maximize the probability that large, round galls will form. Female D. kincaidii are flightless, and exhibit communal oviposition with up to three females seen ovipositing at the same site. Oviposition is not always at a single insertion site on the stem, but usually at multiple sites girdling the stem. The females' egg load exceeds 200.