 |
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE Click here for detailed species information |
The (Common) Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) is of the family Asteraceae which is in the genus Hypochaeris. Alternative names include Flatweed, Cat's-ear and False Dandelion. This wildflower is a widespread perennial in the temperate regions of Europe and also occurs as an invasive species in the Americas, Japan, Australia as well as New Zealand.
The Catsear Gall Wasp (Phanacis hypochoeridis) is of the family Hymenoptera which is in the genus Phanacis. In the early part of the flowering season, the female lays her eggs in the stems of (Common) Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) that subsequently turn into larvae. An elongated gall is then formed that can contain up to 50 larvae which causes the stem to swell. Later in the season the larvae pupate within the gall and remain encased there overwinter. They emerge from the gall as wasps in late spring the following year.
The Catsear Gall Wasp (Phanacis hypochoeridis) is of the family Hymenoptera which is in the genus Phanacis. In the early part of the flowering season, the female lays her eggs in the stems of (Common) Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) that subsequently turn into larvae. An elongated gall is then formed that can contain up to 50 larvae which causes the stem to swell. Later in the season the larvae pupate within the gall and remain encased there overwinter. They emerge from the gall as wasps in late spring the following year.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds