Four winged eucalyptus gall (Apiomorpha munita)

Spectacular shaped galls created by female scale insects (Eriococcidae) on Eucalyptus. This one was about 50mm from one wingtip to another.
Apiomorpha are eucalypt specialists. This structure is created by a female who ends up spending the rest of her life inside. Male structures are usually found nearby, much more numerous, and much smaller and simpler structures. A small group of males can be seen lower left.
This one is subspecies Apiomorpha munita tereticornuta.
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:d8c61065-c2c3-4e12-a73c-64bbd8cd6875#

http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_softbugs/Eriococcidae.htm

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Fascinating. Do you have a reference photo of the insect itself? I'd like to see what builds this :) Posted 9 years ago
1. Mark Ridgway
  
  Lion
  
  Martin Lagerwey has sectioned a female Apiomorpha (another sp.) but not posted in JD. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8190927
  Leuba and I don't do animal sections ;-) Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Cool! 7 years ago, but to me it shows spotting are of timeless value. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Mark Ridgway
      
      Lion
      
      I've got another sp. somewhere possibly even more impressive and kept for years as a home decoration. Searching through photos now... Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Still searching lol.... Posted 6 years ago

The Four-winged Gall

Apiomorpha munita is an Australian scale insect which forms woody galls on various eucalyptus species. Some are quite spectacular shapes and A munita is known for galls with horns or blades.

Info 4 0

Similar species: True Bugs

Species identified by Mark Ridgway