oak pancake gall 80200296 Science Image

Ref: 80200296



Oak pancake spangle gall. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a gall on a leaf from an oak tree (Quercus robur). Galls are abnormal growths on plants, usually caused by parasitic organisms such as fungi or insects. In this case, the gall is caused by the wasp Neuroterus quercusbaccarum, which lays its eggs in the oak leaves. The gall seen here is where the wasp larva develops over the winter, feeding on the plant, and emerging in the spring. Magnification: x37 when printed at 10 centimetres across.