The oak apple cynipid (Biorhiza pallida)

On an oak tree right next to the pear tree I posted about earlier today, I spotted a solitary gall of the oak apple cynipid Biorhiza pallida. Evidently very fresh, it can’t have been forming for more than a few weeks. Certainly interesting to see, as usually I see them only when they’re old and no longer supporting any gall wasp larvae. Don’t pick this ‘fruit’!

In the very lowest part of the crown, sits this single apple gall.

Looking more closely, a marked glisten is observable on its structure.

The terminal buds have evidently deformed, as a result of the larvae and venom injected by the ovipositing female gall wasp (causing the oak’s tissue to mutate).

Probably the best picture of the lot. I’d say this was around 4-5cm across.