释义 |
gall wasp noun[ C ] uk /ˈɡɔːl ˌwɒsp/ us /ˈɡɑːl ˌwɑːsp/ a small wasp(= flying insect) that produces galls (= unusual solid masses) on the outer tissues of plants, which provide food for the larvae(= insect eggs), and sometimes damage the plant: As the gall wasp population increases, so will the predatory wasps. Oak woodland is well known to be particularly rich in many species of bugs, aphids, beetles, and gall wasps. The oak apple is formed around the larva of the gall wasp that has laid its egg in the tree bud. The hard brown "marble" gall which is found on oak trees is caused by the gall wasp. You can find these galls all over oaks and on other trees where the gall wasp has deposited its eggs. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases Insect names anopheles ant aphid beastie bedbug deathwatch beetle dragonfly dust mite earwig earworm housefly insect jigger ladybird lepidopterist silverfish sow bug spider mite stick insect swallowtail |