Galls, Diseases, and Pests - Round Honeydew Gall Wasp
Disholcaspis canescens
Disholcaspis canescens
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Galls help to protect and provide food for growing larvae. But the galls and larvae are at risk from a number of predators and parasites. Honeydew Gall Wasps have an interesting way of buying some protection--as the larvae eat plant material, they convert the starches into a sweet sryup, also known as "honeydew." The honeydew attracts ants, and in the process of visiting the galls and feeding on the honeydew, the ants ward off more harmful predators.
