Relationships between the Gall Wasp, Trichagalma serratae (Ashmead)(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), and Two Moth Species, Andrioplecta pulverula (Meyrick)(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Characoma ruficirra (Hampson)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Gall parasitism by moth larvae of unisexual galls produced by Trichagalma serratae (Ashmead) In Nose, Osaka, Japan was surveyed by dissection of galls. Larvae or pupae of Andrioplecta pulverula (Meyrick) AndCharacoma ruficirra (Hampson) Were found in the galls. The two moth species did not significantly affect the survival of T. serratae on seven of the eight trees examined. Overall, attack by Megastigmus habui Kamijo Was the most important mortaliy factor for the gall wasp after gall initiation. Larval feeding habits of the two moth species were examined under laboratory conditions. A. pulverula larvae were able to feed on Q. acutissima leaves, but preferred unisexual galls of T. serratae. Some of the A. pulverula larvae boring into the galls fed on the larval cells and their inhabitants. The moth is therefore usually a cecidophage, but often becomes a predator of the gall wasp. Like A. pulverula, C. ruficirra larvae were able to feed on Q. acutissima leaves, but preferred T serratae galls. However, the C. ruficirra larvae boring into the galls did not attack the larval cells, though they could feed on T. serratae larvae that had been artificially exposed. Thus, the larval cell wall of T. serratae functions as a barrier against C. ruficirra larvae. This moth is regarded as a commensal of T. serratae.