| Besbicus mirabilis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Olympia, Washington, 2023 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Cynipidae |
| Genus: | Besbicus |
| Species: | B. mirabilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Besbicus mirabilis (Kinsey, 1922) | |
| Synonyms | |
Cynips mirabilis | |
Besbicus mirabilis, formerly Cynips mirabilis, also known as the speckled gall wasp, is a common species of cynipid wasp that produces galls on oak trees in North America. [1] This wasp oviposits on the midrib of the underside (with rare dorsal-side exceptions) of Oregon oak leaves. [1] One to three detachable galls per leaf have been observed. [1] The larval chamber is at the center of the gall, connected to the husk by slender, radiating fibers. [1] The second generation of this wasp induces bud galls. The galls may be parasitized by moth larva ( Melissopus latiferreanus ) or eaten by earwigs or other enterprising arthropods before the larva complete their development. [1] This wasp is present on the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to northern California (above the San Francisco Bay). [2]
