Xanthoteras sp.
Crystalline-Tube-Gall Wasp

[Russo notes that his Crystalline-Tube-Gall Wasp differs from Xanthoteras pungens only in being found on the lower rather than the upper side of the leaf.]

Hosts: Quercus oblongifolia, pungens, turbinella

The beautiful, tubelike, monothalamous galls of this wasp occur on the ventral lateral veins on leaves of Mexican blue, sandpaper and shrub live oaks. The surface is coated with crystalline granules, which appear to be crusted hairs.

Range: Payson, Santa Catalina mountains, AZ