Hedgehog Gall - Andricus lucidus f. agamic

Description

The gall is formed on oak buds and occasionally acorns.  It is a round multi-chambered gall covered in numerous blunt-tipped spines, up to 2.5cm across.  It is reddish when forming, then green and finally brown and woody. 

Similar Species

The agamic galls formd by Andricus grossulariae are similar but usually larger, with fewer, thicker spines.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Photograph of the gall on the host.

Habitat

oak trees

UK Status

First recorded in the UK in SE England in late 20th century (ref: Redfern & Shirley 2023)

VC55 Status

Rare.  The Burrough Hill gall is believed to be the first confirmed record for the species in VC55

Further Information

See Redfern & Shirley 2023

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Hedgehog Gall Causer
Species group:
insect - hymenopteran
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Cynipidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
26/10/2025 (Bell, Melinda)
Last record:
26/10/2025 (Bell, Melinda)

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% of records within its species group

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