Oak gall wasps and their predators have been gaining attention from scientists and naturalists alike. These small insects, ranging from 1 to 8 millimeters in size, are responsible for creating the unique plant growths known as “galls.” These galls can take on various shapes and sizes, with some resembling sea urchins or saucers. Binghamton University Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Kirsten Prior explains that there are around 90 different species of oak trees in North America, each hosting around 800 species of oak gall wasps. This diversity makes these wasps a symbol of biodiversity.
However, while these tiny creatures may seem insignificant at first glance, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem.Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside the galls created by oak gall wasps and consume them entirely.This relationship between host and parasite is constantly evolving as new species are discovered.
Recently, a team of researchers led by Binghamton University Associate professor Kirsten Prior made an unexpected discovery while studying oak gall wasp diversity in North America. They found two parasitic wasp species belonging to the genus Bootanomyia Girault that were previously unknown to be present in North America.
This discovery is part of a larger research project funded by the National science Foundation (NSF) that aims to study the diversity of oak gall wasps and their parasitoids throughout North America. The project involves collaboration between researchers from Binghamton University, the University of Iowa, Wayne State University, and Adam Kranz – one of the creators behind Gallformers.org – a website dedicated to educating people about galls on plants found in North America.
The NSF grant focuses on understanding how gall-forming insects evade diverse clades (groups) of parasitic wasps while also examining how parasites catch up with their hosts’ evolutionarily speaking. To answer this question, researchers collect samples from various locations and use genetic sequencing to identify the parasitic wasps emerging from the galls.
One of the most exciting aspects of this research is that it has led to the discovery of previously unknown species. During their travels, researchers collected approximately 25 oak gall wasp species and reared tens of thousands of parasitic wasps, identifying over 100 different species. Among these were two European species – Bootanomyia dorsalis - found in collections made by researchers at Binghamton University and the University of Iowa.
This discovery highlights the importance of conducting extensive biodiversity studies as they can lead to unexpected findings. It also emphasizes how little we know about our own backyard’s diversity and how much there is still left to discover. The team plans to continue their research, hoping to uncover more surprises in North America’s oak gall wasp diversity.ubs.” class=”wp-image-15611″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.pensoft.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Quercus_cerris.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.pensoft.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Quercus_cerris.jpg?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.pensoft.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Quercus_cerris.jpg?w=960&ssl=1 960w” sizes=”(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 984px) 61vw, (max-width: 1362px) 45vw, (min-width:1363px)600px” data-recalc-dims=”1″/>
“The fact that B. dorsalis was found in four different oak gall wasp species suggests that it is a generalist parasitoid of these wasps,” Prior said. “This is not surprising since the European species of bootanomyia are known to be generalists.”
The researchers also found that the West Coast B. dorsalis were more genetically similar to each other than the East Coast ones, which could indicate that they have been in North America for longer or have had less time to diversify.
Newly Discovered Parasitic Wasp Species Found on Both coasts of North America
A recent study has revealed the presence of two distinct clades of Bootanomyia dorsalis parasitic wasps on both coasts of North America. This discovery has sparked interest among researchers who are now working towards confirming the identity and origin of this introduced species.
Distinguishing Between Two Clades Through Genetic Analysis
The identification process for parasitic wasps can be challenging due to their small size and similar features. To confirm the identity of Bootanomyia dorsalis,researchers used genetic tools to sequence the universal barcoding gene,Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (mtCOI),and compared their results to reference libraries.
Through this analysis, they discovered that there were two distinct clades of B.dorsalis in North America. The first clade was found on the East Coast and was closely related to species from Portugal, Iran, and Italy.The second clade was found on the West Coast and shared genetic similarities with species from Spain, hungary, and Iran.
Possible Introduction Through Non-native Oak Species
The presence of these two distinct clades suggests that B. dorsalis may have been introduced to North America at least twice – once on each coast. One possible explanation for this introduction is through non-native oak species that were intentionally brought over from europe.
English oak (Quercus robur) has been widely planted for wood since the 17th century and can be found in British Columbia as well as several northeastern states and provinces. Turkey oak (Q. cerris) is an ornamental tree now present along the East Coast – including a location near were B. dorsalis was first discovered in New York.
A Generalist Parasitoid Species
The fact that B. dorsalis has been found in four different oak gall wasp species suggests that it is a generalist parasitoid of these insects – meaning it can parasitize multiple host species for its survival.
In Conclusion
The discovery of two distinct clades of Bootanomyia dorsalis parasitic wasps on both coasts of North America has sparked interest among researchers who are now working towards confirming their identity and origin through genetic analysis. This finding also suggests that B. dorsalis may have been introduced to North America through non-native oak species and is a generalist parasitoid of oak gall wasps.
Parasitic Wasps: A threat to Native Species?
the discovery of two clades of parasitic wasps, B. dorsalis, in north America has raised concerns about the potential threat they may pose to native species. These parasitic wasps are known to target oak gall wasps,a group of insects that form galls on oak trees.
The two clades were discovered through a project called Gall Week, which encourages citizen scientists to collect galls and post them on the platform iNaturalist. The specimens collected during this project were then studied by researchers and it was found that these parasitic wasps have been introduced into North america from Europe.
While the impact of these introduced species on native North American species is not yet known, other introduced parasite species have been known to negatively affect populations of native insects.This raises concerns about the potential harm these parasitic wasps may cause.
Naturalists and citizen scientists play an important role in biodiversity research, as seen through projects like Gall Week. Biodiversity is crucial for healthy ecosystems and is increasingly under threat due to global change.
The Introduction of Parasitic Wasps
The discovery of B. dorsalis in North America has raised questions about how they were introduced into the region. one possibility is that adult parasitic wasps could have hitchhiked on a plane, as they can live for up to 27 days.
potential Impact on Native Species
The introduction of these two clades raises concerns about their potential impact on native species in North America. They are known to target oak gall wasps, but their ability to spread across regions and host species suggests they could also affect populations of other native parasites or even directly impact native insect populations.
The Role of Citizen Scientists
Projects like Gall Week, which rely on the participation of citizen scientists, are crucial for biodiversity research. by collecting and sharing data on species like these parasitic wasps, researchers can better understand their distribution and potential impact on native species.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a key component to healthy and functioning ecosystems. However,it is increasingly under threat due to global change. The introduction of non-native species can have negative impacts on native species and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.
to sum up
The discovery of two clades of parasitic wasps in North America highlights the importance of monitoring and understanding biodiversity. Through projects like Gall Week and the involvement of citizen scientists, we can gain valuable insights into the distribution and potential impact of introduced species.It is crucial that we continue to protect our native species and maintain a diverse ecosystem for a healthy planet.
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The discovery of a new parasitoid species in an important crop system is a thrilling development. This finding highlights the amazing diversity and meaning of parasitic wasps in ecological systems, where they act as biological control agents to regulate insect populations, including those that are harmful to crops and forests.
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p”the striking coloration of this species serves as protection against birds that prey on insects. It’s fascinating to observe how these wasps can sit on plants without being snatched by predators.” /p
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pNamed after the fictional monster Godzilla, this parasitic wasp is the first to be observed and filmed diving underwater for several seconds. This behavior adds to the already impressive list of unique characteristics found in parasitic wasps.” /p
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pWith over 3,000 known species and countless more yet to be described, the subfamily Microgastrinae is home to the most diverse group of parasitic wasps. These tiny creatures play a crucial role in maintaining balance within ecosystems.” /p
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The Institute of Beneficial Insects at Fujian agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) in China houses a collection of specimens that revealed a new species of parasitic wasp. This discovery adds to our understanding of the incredible diversity within this group.
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pThe discovery of numerous new species and genera, including economically important ones, has captured the attention of researchers. These wasps possess unique characteristics and behaviors that continue to fascinate scientists.” /p
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According to Prior, “Parasitic wasps are likely the most diverse group of animals on the planet and are extremely important in ecological systems, acting as biological control agents to keep insects in check, including those that are crop or forest pests.”
Research article:
Brown GE, Lewis CJ, Fridrich K, Jones DG, Goodwin EA, Weinrich CL, Steffensen MJ,
prior KM,
Forbes AA (2025) Discovery of two palearctic bootanomyia Girault (Hymenoptera,
Megastigmidae) parasitic wasp species introduced to North America. Journal of Hymenoptera Research 98: 653-665.
https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.98.152867
This story originally appeared on binghamton University’s website and has been republished with permission.
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Wow, that’s amazing! Can’t wait to learn more about this discovery.