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Update of 9/2/23 observation of Artichoke gall-like observation found on Quercus agrifolia.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/181449885

Larvae preserved in 40% ethanol and refrigerated.

Larvae measure ~2.5mm in length.

California Scrub Oak; This gall was found last year by Merav Vonshak except it was purple; I assume it will turn purple with time; this was a cluster of at least 3, maybe 4 galls. Gallformers: q-dumosa-pip-gall

Looks like this is a parasitoid on Coyote Bush Bud Gall Midge, Rhopalomyia californica.

I'm just guessing on the species because Russo says that Platygaster californica is the most common parasitoid on the galls and photos I've seen are roughly the same. But I gather that there are a handful of others, some from different families like Torymidae and Pteromalidae.

The other photos show the twig and the wasp apparently ovipositing or getting ready to do that.

We observed at least three that were active on the small, bare branches above a larger fallen tree. This pair was engaged in what looked like some kind of courtship display, in which one (the male?) would hover facing another (the female?). The one in flight held its front legs out and would occasionally do a split with its hind legs out (and apparently sometimes make a "heart" gesture with its middle legs?!), while the perched individual would occasionally wave its hind legs in the air.

Gall on Tritileia ixioides stem below flower.

Appeared to be hollow within, but I wasn't willing to completely tear open.

No frass visible within, large cavity. Many seen along this trail.

https://gallformers.com/host/3721