Gouty Oak Gall
Callirhytis punctata (Osten Sacken)
J. D. Solomon, F. I. McCracken, R. L. Anderson, R. Lewis, Jr., F.L. Oliveria, T.H. Filer, and P.J. Barry
Importance – This gall is among over 600 gall insects that attack the oaks in the United States. Gouty oak gall is most common on scarlet, red, pin, water, and black oaks. In heavy infestations, twigs, large branches, and occasionally entire trees may be killed.
Identifying the Insect – Adults are small, black, cynip wasps with an oval, shiny, and slightly compressed abdomen. The larvae are white and globe-shaped.
Identifying the Injury – Galls are irregular, globose, woody, 1.5 inches (38 mm) in diameter, and encircle the twigs and small branches. They sometimes occur so close together that they form nearly continuous masses.
Biology – This species has alternate generations. The first produces small blisterlike galls on leaves in the spring. The second produces galls during the summer
Control – Natural controls are generally adequate. Prune galls from small trees and destroy. Chemical control is possible, but poorly defined.
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