Eastern Forest Threat Center - Erythrina Gall Wasp

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Erythrina gall wasp

Erythrina gall wasp

Paul E. Skelley, FDACS-DPI-Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Bugwood.org

Erythrina Gall Wasp
Quadrastichus erythrinae

The erythrina gall wasp (EGW) was first detected in the U.S. on Oahu, HI, in April 2005. It was detected in South Florida in October 2006. Native and non-native Erythrina (coral trees) throughout North America and Mexico should be considered threatened.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, EGW, coral tree, Erythrina spp., severe galling, defoliation

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

EGW adults are very small, about 1 mm in length; consequently, host injury is generally detected before adult wasps are observed. Adult females are slightly larger than males and are more yellow in color. Females can produce hundreds of eggs, preferring to oviposit in young, succulent tissues, primarily leaves and petioles. Oviposition to adult emergence requires about 21 days and infestations may be well developed before the presence of EGW is realized. EGW populations increase rapidly and result in severe galling and defoliation. Tree mortality has been observed within one to two years. Currently, Erythrina species are the only known hosts for EGW. Differences in galling severity have been observed among Erythrina, with E. variegata appearing to be the most preferred. Local and long-range spread of EGW are likely due to wind, humans, travel, and commodities trading (e.g., infested plants), particularly by infested leaves hitchhiking in nursery stock containers. Wasps land indiscriminately on clothing and automobiles and may be observed under and near infested trees. Potential impacts are serious for Erythrina species and their habitats.