Amphibolips fusus
This record describes Amphibolips fusus (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Induces elongate spindle-shaped galls on Quercus emoryi and hypoleucoides in the US, and on other oaks in Mexico. The galls are similar to those of Amphibolips nassa, which are found on the same host plants, but the tip is drawn out to a much longer point on A. fusus.
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
Recorded from Mexico and New Mexico but likely found throughout host ranges.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Amphibolips fusus. 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 fusus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua C'deBaca
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphibolips fusus
What is Amphibolips fusus?
Amphibolips fusus is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Amphibolips fusus?
Induces elongate spindle-shaped galls on Quercus emoryi and hypoleucoides in the US, and on other oaks in Mexico. The galls are similar to those of Amphibolips nassa, which are found on the same host plants, but the tip is drawn out to a much longer point on A. fusus.
Where is Amphibolips fusus found?
Range: Recorded from Mexico and New Mexico but likely found throughout host ranges.