Phanacis hypochoeridis
Phanacis hypochoeridis
Description
The cynipid wasp Phanacis hypochoeridis causes galls to form in Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata). This takes the form of an elongated swelling, usually in the main stem of the plant, but sometimes in the flower stalk or petiole, succulent at first, later hard often wrinkled inside – up to 50 chambers, each with a yellowish-white larva.
It is a unisexual species, with males rare or absent; the females reproduce by parthenogenesis
Habitat
Where Cat's-ear occurs.
When to see it
Summer and autumn.
UK Status
Widespread but uncommon or under-recorded in Britain.
VC55 Status
Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020






