In early 2007, the ficus blister gall was reported in Florida for the first time in the Naples area. The leaf gall is found on Cuban-laurel ficus ( Ficus microcarpa or [ F. retusa] ). It is caused by a 1.5 mm wasp, Josephiella sp. (Hymenoptera:Agaonidae). The wasp has spread throughout much of south Florida.The female wasp "stings" the foliage and inserts eggs. Larvae hatch and feed inside the gall.
This insect showed up in California about 1998, did some damage and then became insignificant. However, we are seeing more damage (defoliation) each year. This hard to control pest appears to be a significant stress and over several years, may result in trees being removed due to their unthrifty appearance or death. Lobate lac scale (Paratachardina lobata lobata), ficus (fig) whitefly (Singhiella simplex) and Bondar's nesting whitefly ( Paraleyrodes bondari) are also shown on a nearby Cuban-laurel.
Movie produced by two Collier County Master Gardeners.