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The spherical monolocular bud galls (diameter ~ 10-30 mm) of the unisexual generation of Andricus kollari develop in West and Central Europe on various species of Quercus (Q. robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens, Q. frainetto, Q. virgiliana). In Spain and North Europe they develop also on Q. pyrenaica, Q. faginea, Q. fruticosa, and Q. canariensis. The bisexual generation forms small gregarious galls in buds of Q. cerris (turkey oak). Andricus kollaris is common in those areas where Q. cerris has been planted. Due to the fact that turkey oak is not present in Spain, there might be the possibility that the species exists here without the bisexual generation or has a bisexual generation on another host.In former times the unisexual galls where collected for industrial purposes for their high tannin content. The dry substance can constis of up to 65% of tannins, and this substance was used for tanning leather or producing ink. |
