Translucent Oak Gall Wasp
Amphibolips nubilipennis
This record describes Amphibolips nubilipennis (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Description of translucent leaf-gall: This is a beautiful, spherical, soft, succulent gall about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter and has a very striking resemblance to a large white grape. There is a single larval chamber in the center. (Cook 1910)
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
TX-NC-MA-IA ,(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Forms succulent galls on leaves in the red oak group.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Amphibolips nubilipennis. 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 Translucent Oak Gall Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Translucent Oak Gall Wasp
What is Translucent Oak Gall Wasp?
Translucent Oak Gall Wasp (Amphibolips nubilipennis) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Translucent Oak Gall Wasp?
Adult: ~12mm (Type)
How do you identify Translucent Oak Gall Wasp?
Description of translucent leaf-gall: This is a beautiful, spherical, soft, succulent gall about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter and has a very striking resemblance to a large white grape. There is a single larval chamber in the center. (Cook 1910)
Where is Translucent Oak Gall Wasp found?
Range: TX-NC-MA-IA ,(BG data)
What is the life cycle of a Translucent Oak Gall Wasp?
Forms succulent galls on leaves in the red oak group.