gall wasp
Any insect of the family Cynipidae. Typically written in katakana as タマバチ in biological contexts.
Gall wasps are known for creating galls on plants.
This gall is caused by gall wasp larvae.
Contains the outdated kanji 癭 (gall). Not used in modern writing.
Compound of たま (tama, 'ball' or 'jewel', referring to the gall) and はち (hachi, 'bee' or 'wasp'). The exact origin is uncertain, but the name likely describes the round galls produced by these insects.