lappelbaum's Favorites

Reared this Polystepha from collection of the Quercus virginiana leaf, and may possibly represent the first time the adult has been photographed.

Timeline of photos:

Image 1: Adult, emerged 7/6/24
Image 2: Adult, emerged 7/6/24
Image 3: Adult, emerged 7/6/24
Image 4: Adult, emerged 7/2/24
Image 5: Pupa, 6/24/24
Image 6: Larvae, 6/24/24
Image 7: Q. virginiana host (abaxial), 6/16/24
Image 8: Q. virginiana host (adaxial), 6/16/24

Brief summary: Leaves were collected with 6 inches of stem on 6/16/24 and placed in a large plastic container with wet paper towel at the bottom to help preserve the life of the leaves while the larvae develop. Once larvae began to emerge and drop to the bottom, I decided to cover the paper towel at the bottom with finely-ground coco husk (available at pet stores) to absorb the moisture and offer a pupation substrate.

While this method proved to be successful at rearing adults, next time I'd change a few things, namely: Rather than placing wet paper towels on the bottom with a secure lid to preserve moisture for the oak twigs, I'd probably place the oak stems in floral vials and simply add coco husk as substrate. Having wet paper towels at the bottom increased the humidity throughout the container which often traps the emerged adults before they can be documented.

Also note: I'm not totally thrilled with the photos I obtained throughout, but I saw the opportunity to rear this species during a period where I did not have much time to prepare or execute. Will attempt this species again in the future.

Observed on multiple, older R. canescens specimens growing on a slope next to gulleys on either side going into our pond. Some specimens were up to 15-20 feet tall. Some galls larger as they progressed into a white frosty texture. Seems to make a flat surface sometimes folding. Found on different specimens 50 feet from each other. Older forest some white oaks and other trees pushing 100 years old. Lots of sycamores, persimmons and tulip poplars nearby. Galls forming on both flower and leaves, with multiple galls forming on one leaf site.