Which family includes gall wasps?

Which family includes gall wasps?

• A. Mutillidae
• B. Cynipidae
• C. Siricidae
• D. Lycaenidae

Answer: (B)

Gall formation on plants is a defining trait of the Cynipidae. These wasps lay their eggs in plant tissue and release signals that cause the plant to grow a gall around the developing larva, creating a specialized habitat and food source. This gall-inducing behavior is particularly well known in Cynipidae, with many species targeting oaks. In contrast, Mutillidae are velvet ants (which are actually wasps with wingless females), Siricidae are horntails that bore into wood, and Lycaenidae are a family of butterflies. Therefore, the family that includes gall wasps is Cynipidae.

Gall formation on plants is a defining trait of the Cynipidae. These wasps lay their eggs in plant tissue and release signals that cause the plant to grow a gall around the developing larva, creating a specialized habitat and food source. This gall-inducing behavior is particularly well known in Cynipidae, with many species targeting oaks. In contrast, Mutillidae are velvet ants (which are actually wasps with wingless females), Siricidae are horntails that bore into wood, and Lycaenidae are a family of butterflies. Therefore, the family that includes gall wasps is Cynipidae.