Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim Unusual growths caused on leaves and young shoots of coral trees (Erythrina spp.) alerts to the presence of Erythrina gall wasp (Quadrastichus erythrinae) a gall-forming eulophid wasp, that measures a mere 1.5mm and may be spread easily via infected leaves from infected Erythrina specimens. A newly described species Q. erythrinae is believed to be native to Africa. It is now a serious pest of Erythrina trees in the tropics Erythrina variegata, it is now reported in Miami and Hawaii, also knownand sub-tropics; from Singapore, it was firstMauritius collected and in Reunion. Florida onTaiwan, coral Hongtrees Kong, China, India, Thailand, Philippines, American Samoa, Guam and in the Amami Islands and Okinawa in Japan Erythrina spp. have a variety of functions in different locations. activities. As indicated by its Latin name “erythros” meaning red, In Taiwan they are highly associated with farming and fishing its obvious red flowers have been used as a sign of the arrival of spring and as a working calendar by tribal peoples. Specifically, peoplethe blooming (the Puyama of its showy people) red to flowers plant sweetsignal potatoesto the coastal (Yang people et al. 2004).to begin their ceremonies for catching flying fish, and for another Photo credit: Kim & Forest Starr The Erythrina gall wasp infests E. variegata, E. crista-galli and the Short-term control options are limited. The application of a systemic native E. sandwicensis in Hawaii (Heu et al. 2006). E. sandwicensi, insecticide appears to have been partly effective in protecting known as the wiliwili tree, is endemic to Hawaii and a keystone highly valued individual trees in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department species in Hawaii’s lowland dry forest, one of the most endangered of Agriculture released a biocontrol agent, the parasite Eurytoma ecosystems in the world. erythrinae to control the Erythrina gall wasp in 2008. References: Heu, R.A., Tsuda, D.M., Nagamine, W.T., Yalemar, J.A. and Suh, T.H. (2006) Erythrina gall wasp Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), New Pest Advisory. Department of Agriculture: Manoa (Hawaii). Yang, M., Tung, G., La Salle, J. and Wu, M. (2004) Outbreak of Erythrina gall Click here to view archives of previous weeks’ species wasp (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Erythrina spp. (Fabaceae) in Taiwan..