Pumpkin Gall Wasp

Tiny, pumpkin shaped galls that ranged from creme to red in color. They were all over the tops of the leaves. " "This cynipid wasp induces tiny, 1 mm wide, pumpkin-shaped galls on the upper surface of the leaves of coast live, interior live and California black oaks. When fresh in late spring and summer, these monothalamous galls are light yellow with dark red or purple centers. As the galls mature and lose their color, they assume the appearance of Lilliputian-like pumpkins with several lines or furrows radiating towards the depressed centers. In fall, most galls drop to the ground, where they blend in with the leaf matter...Fresh and active galls can be found just about any time of year as you go from one region to another. Adults emerge the following April and the cycle starts again"."