Oregon Oak Gall Wasp vs Narrow-necked Ant Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oregon Oak Gall Wasp Narrow-necked Ant Beetle
Scientific Name Besbicus mirabilis Dinarda dentata
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Cynipidae Staphylinidae
Size 2–3 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Gall Makers
Regions Western North America Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Oregon Oak Gall Wasp

A gall wasp that induces conspicuous galls on Oregon white oak in western North America. Galls form on leaf veins and can be quite abundant.

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Did You Know?

Native Americans used some oak galls medicinally as an astringent to treat mouth sores and skin wounds.

Narrow-necked Ant Beetle

A flattened, reddish-brown aleocharine rove beetle that inhabits Formica ant nests as a tolerated guest. Its flattened body allows it to move easily through narrow ant nest galleries.

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Did You Know?

If attacked by an ant, this beetle raises its abdomen to present its appeasement glands, releasing chemicals that calm the aggressor.