Spangle Gall Wasp vs Pigeon Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spangle Gall Wasp Pigeon Bug
Scientific Name Neuroterus quercusbaccarum Cimex columbarius
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Cynipidae Cimicidae
Size 1.5–2.5 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Spangle Gall Wasp

A tiny gall wasp that produces flat, disc-shaped spangle galls on the undersides of oak leaves. It alternates between two distinct gall forms across generations.

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Did You Know?

A single oak leaf may carry over a hundred spangle galls, yet the tree suffers minimal harm.

Pigeon Bug

A cimicid ectoparasite of pigeons and doves found in nest sites and dovecotes across Europe. It can bite humans in buildings with pigeon infestations.

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Did You Know?

Removing pigeon nests from buildings without treating for these bugs often drives them indoors to bite residents.