Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp

Hemadas nubilipennis

Hemadas nubilipennnis is a pteromalid wasp which creates stem galls on blueberry species (Vaccinium spp.). Larvae develop inside the gall. They emerge as adults in spring.
Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp (Hemadas nubilipennis) Kidney-shaped gall on the stem of Blue Ridge Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum). This species of wasp is parasitic on blueberry species (Vaccinium sp.). It can become a pest as the formation of galls limits fruit production. Wasps (which are almost all female) emerge from previous galls in spring for mating season. Females pierce the lower surface of the blueberry stems and deposit their eggs there. Additionally, they stab the shoot tips in order to prevent more growth. The plant reacts to the deposition of eggs with the formation of galls. Branches with galls are incapable of producing flowers or fruit. It is recommend that prescribed burns be performed in fall to control any problems. Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp,Geotagged,Hemadas nubilipennis,Spring,United States,blueberry gall,gall,galls,hemadas,hymenoptera,insect,insecta,stem gall,vaccinium gall,wasp,wasp gall

Appearance

Galls are usually kidney shaped in appearance and occur primarily on stems.
Hemadas nubilipennis This is a picture of a Hemadas nubilipennis on the South Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge near Laurel, Maryland. Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp,Geotagged,Hemadas nubilipennis,Spring,United States

Cultural

This species can become a pest as the formation of galls limits fruit production. Branches with galls are incapable of producing flowers or fruit. It is recommend that prescribed burns be performed in fall to control any problem

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHymenoptera
FamilyPteromalidae
GenusHemadas
SpeciesHemadas nubilipennis
Photographed in
United States of America