DOI - Mendel University Press

DOI identifiers

DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0126

DIVERSITY OF CYNIPID WASPS ON OAKS IN THE URBAN GREENERY OF NITRA

Ján Kollár1, Katarína Miklášová1, Jozef Porvazník1, Ladislav Bakay1
1 Institute of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tulipánová 7, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic


In this study, we focused on analysis of spectrum and trophic relationships of gall-inducing species from the family Cynipidae associated with the genus Quercus in the urban environment of Nitra city. The research was carried out in 2022-2025. We have also evaluated the visual attractiveness of the galls and which parts each species uses to create galls. We have found 36 species of gall-inducing cynipid wasps, on 6 oak species, which were planted in urban greenery of Nitra city. Our results reveal that the majority of cynipid wasps develop on pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and turkey oak (Quercus cerris). The most preferred part for gall formation is bud (24 species) and leaf (13 species). The least preferred part for gall formation was the roots. In 4 species, the part of development of the sexual generation is unknown. The galls of the agamous generation are more visually attractive. The sexual generation produces mostly inconspicuous types of galls from buds or male catkins. All found cynipid wasp species are native, except Andricus quercusfoliatus, which has native range in southern parts of North America and Mexico. 

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Quercus, gall, entomofauna, biodiversity

pages: 126-130, Published: 2026, online: 2026



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