Skip to main content

Four-horned Gumtree Gall

Apiomorpha munita

Photo by Mark Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-37.9502, 145.254

Field Notes

Description:

This tough gall is on a stem of Eucalyptus obvata? The most obvious features of this gall are the 4 long, spiny horns which made the whole structure as long as my hand. About 30mm diameter on the main structure. In the last pic (a very old one) the large part was the home of a female insect but the two smaller tubes would have been where males lived.

Habitat:

In a local national park.

Notes:

If this species appears on a different eucalyptus it may produce a variation of shape. See here where the spines have become broad based, flattened blades... http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/856236002 <br>

http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry/forest_health/forest_health_fact_shee… <br> http://www.lyncook.org/Lyn_Cook/Apiomorpha.html

Reference Links:

Four-horned Gumtree Gall - Apiomorpha munita

Species ID Suggestions

Four winged Apiomorph.

Apiomorpha munita

Reference Link
MartinL
2

Comments (6)
MartinL
Much better. I think these brown ones are in their second or third year. Sometimes you can find dozens, possibly years of added galls, like a graveyard. I saw some today I will photograph for you next visit.
Mark Ridgway
We're ready and waiting James !! Martin I found a better specimen - it has the four 'corners' to the main body. I was amazed at the overall length... now I can go with A munita
James McNair
Mark you find some of the coolest weirdest most amazing things. I so need to visit your beautiful homeland!
MartinL
They are pretty variable and females live more than one year. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12731355 http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/53586095 I used to open them and found wasp chambers in the older ones sometimes. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/13982422
Mark Ridgway
Very much an ex-home I think but I have never found a 'horned' one before. I have Peter Chew's A.munita as a ref but wasn't fully convinced of the 4 horns or shape... probably right though. I'll just have to find a fressher one to replace this.
MartinL
I think she's seen better days.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Nests, hives, bowers, webs & other animal architecture
Mission
Dandenong Ranges - fauna & flora
Mission
Mission WILD
Photographed
PublishedAugust 27, 2014

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies