Skip to main content

Eriococcid gall bug

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

-38.38, 145.026

Field Notes

Description:

This hemipteran gall forming bug is living inside this elongated red gall. The smaller one growing on the leaf has a trumpet flange on the end and will be the male bug. They are one odd couple!

Habitat:

On a small eucalyptus branch.

Notes:

Here is a similar one
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8190927
There were several older woody galls with exit holes of a predator.

Species ID Suggestions

scale insect

Apiomorpha conica s.l.
l.cook
1

Comments (7)
MartinL
I've added a dissection. The Eriococcid bug seems to be at the distal end of the gall, away from the branch and close to prying wasps. They are usually at the base end. I wonder how mobile they are within their home?
MartinL
Yes Leuba, male galls are smaller and male insects are smaller. Males live a very short life, grow wings and leave, in search of conquests. Females remain imprisoned by their protective walls. Some females live for several years.
Maria dB
That is really interesting. Thanks for sharing
Leuba Ridgway
great pictures Martin ! and thanks for the information - interesting. It seems like generally most galls produced by male insects are smaller and tubular ?

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMarch 3, 2012

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