Amphibolips ellipsoidalis
This record describes Amphibolips ellipsoidalis (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A bud gall of early spring as new growth is starting. Spindle-shaped, blunt at both ends, up to 14 mm. long by 5 mm. in diameter, smooth, mottled with white when fresh, falling to ground when mature. Produced from weak lateral buds.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Amphibolips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
The type fly was reared from a gall collected May 9, 1920, on Q. palustris at "Dyche" on the wooded banks of the Potomac below Alexandria, Va. The fly was found dead in breeding cage April 10, 1921, Similar galls have been found in spring on Q. coccinea at Ravinia and Fort Sheridan, 111.; Miller, Ind.; and Washington, D. C. A shorter and broader gall with the same structure was seen on Q. imbricaria at Joliet, IL.
Seasonal Activity
Spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quercus palustris, coccinea, marilandica, palustris, velutina, Weld lists a gall on Quercus falcata and imbricaria as "probably" Andricus ellipsoidalis
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Amphibolips ellipsoidalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Amphibolips ellipsoidalis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Adam Kranz
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphibolips ellipsoidalis
What is Amphibolips ellipsoidalis?
Amphibolips ellipsoidalis is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Amphibolips ellipsoidalis?
up to 14 mm. long by 5 mm. in diameter
How do you identify Amphibolips ellipsoidalis?
A bud gall of early spring as new growth is starting. Spindle-shaped, blunt at both ends, up to 14 mm. long by 5 mm. in diameter, smooth, mottled with white when fresh, falling to ground when mature. Produced from weak lateral buds.
Where is Amphibolips ellipsoidalis found?
Range: The type fly was reared from a gall collected May 9, 1920, on Q. palustris at Dyche on the wooded banks of the Potomac below Alexandria, Va. The fly was found dead in breeding cage April 10, 1921, Similar galls have been found in spring on Q. coccinea at Ravinia and Fort Sheridan, 111.; Miller, Ind.; and Washington, D. C. A shorter and broader gall with the same structure was seen on Q. imbricaria at Joliet, IL.
What does Amphibolips ellipsoidalis eat?
The diet of the Amphibolips ellipsoidalis includes Quercus palustris, coccinea, marilandica, palustris, velutina, Weld lists a gall on Quercus falcata and imbricaria as probably Andricus ellipsoidalis.
When is Amphibolips ellipsoidalis active?
Amphibolips ellipsoidalis: seasonal activity - Spring.