Oak apple: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Oak apple.jpg|right|thumb|An oak apple on a tree in [[Worcestershire]], [[England]]]] |
[[Image:Oak apple.jpg|right|thumb|An oak apple on a tree in [[Worcestershire]], [[England]]]] |
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An '''oak apple''' is a mutation of an [[oak]] leaf caused by chemicals injected by the [[larvae]] of certain kinds of [[gall wasp]]. They are so called because the [[gall]], which can measure up to 5 [[centimetre|cm]] in diameter but is normally only around 2 cm, looks a little like an [[apple]]. Considerable confusion exists in the general 'literature' between the |
An '''oak apple''' is a mutation of an [[oak]] leaf caused by chemicals injected by the [[larvae]] of certain kinds of [[gall wasp]]. They are so called because the [[gall]], which can measure up to 5 [[centimetre|cm]] in diameter but is normally only around 2 [[centimetre|cm]], looks a little like an [[apple]]. Considerable confusion exists in the general 'literature' between the oak apple and [[oak marble gall]]s. The oak marble is frequently called the oak apple due to the superficial resemblance and the preponderance of the oak marble gall in the wild. |
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European oak apples are caused by the ''[[Biorhiza pallida]]'' gall wasp and American oak apples by ''[[Amphibolips confluenta]]''. <ref>Oxford English Dictionary</ref> |
European oak apples are caused by the ''[[Biorhiza pallida]]'' gall wasp and American oak apples by ''[[Amphibolips confluenta]]''. <ref>Oxford English Dictionary</ref> |
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Oak apples may be brownish or reddish. |
Oak apples may be brownish or reddish. |
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The wasp larva that lives inside oak apples are a good source of bait for fishing, and also are useful as a survival food.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} |
The wasp [[larva]] that lives inside oak apples are a good source of bait for fishing, and also are useful as a survival food.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} |
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[[Image:Oak apple Wiltshire October 2007.JPG|thumb|left|220px|Oak apples on the undersides of oak leaves, [[Wiltshire]], [[England]] October 2007]] |
[[Image:Oak apple Wiltshire October 2007.JPG|thumb|left|220px|Oak apples on the undersides of oak leaves, [[Wiltshire]], [[England]] October 2007]] |
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Revision as of 22:30, 21 August 2008
An oak apple is a mutation of an oak leaf caused by chemicals injected by the larvae of certain kinds of gall wasp. They are so called because the gall, which can measure up to 5 cm in diameter but is normally only around 2 cm, looks a little like an apple. Considerable confusion exists in the general 'literature' between the oak apple and oak marble galls. The oak marble is frequently called the oak apple due to the superficial resemblance and the preponderance of the oak marble gall in the wild.
European oak apples are caused by the Biorhiza pallida gall wasp and American oak apples by Amphibolips confluenta. [1]
Oak apples may be brownish or reddish.
The wasp larva that lives inside oak apples are a good source of bait for fishing, and also are useful as a survival food.[citation needed]
Superstitions
If a 'worm' is found inside the gall on Michaelmas Day then the year will be pleasant and unexceptional. If a spider is found then it will be a bad year with shortages and ruined crops. If a fly is found inside then it will be a moderate season and if nothing is found then serious diesases will occur all that year.[2]
references
See also
- Oak Apple Day
- Iron gall ink
- Oak marble gall
- Knopper gall
- Pineapple gall
- Rose bedeguar gall
- Oak artichoke gall
External links
- Amphibolips confluenta
- Biorhiza pallida
- Gloucestershire Naturalists' Society photograph of galls with 'red apple' appearance See also:[1]
- The Oak Apple Gall
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