Oriental chestnut gall wasp

Image: Ayanava Majumdar, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Bugwood.org

Also called Asian chestnut gall wasp
A small 2.5-3 mm long black wasp that lays its eggs in the buds of chestnut
Egg laying induces the formation of green to rose coloured galls up to 20 mm in diameter. In cross section, small white grubs may be visible inside the gall. After the adult wasps emerge these dry out and eventually fall from the tree
Any galls on chestnut trees should be reported for diagnosis
Severe infestations can cause up to 70 per cent yield losses and in some cases the death of the tree
Considered to be the most significant insect pest of chestnuts worldwide
Can be spread by the movement of grafting material. The adults are also capable of flight allowing for localised spread
Native to Asia (china, Japan and Korea): recently introduced into the United States and Europe

High priority pest of: Chestnuts

Scientific name: Dryocosmus kuriphilus
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Ants & wasps (HYMENOPTERA)